Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. He is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space and a research associate in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. A leading scientist and television host, Tyson is known for his work on popularizing science and his compelling studies on astronomy and science.

Tyson was born in 1958 in Manhattan to parents of Caribbean heritage and was raised in the Bronx. He attended public schools and earned his B.A. in Physics from Harvard University in 1980 and his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia University in 1991. He also engaged in research opportunities with the University of Texas and Princeton University. In 2014, he was ranked number two among the “World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds” by Thompson Reuters.

Tyson’s love for the universe began in his childhood when his parents took him to the Hayden Planetarium. He was so inspired by the display of stars, galaxies and planets that at the age of nine, he wrote to the Smithsonian Institution in a letter of inquiry asking for their help in understanding the universe. Consequently, the institution sent him a set of books that set him on his path to pursue astrophysics.

Throughout his studies and research, Tyson gained a passion for science and for making it understandable for everyone. He has written several books about science and astrophysics, which are known for their engaging writing styles, humor and pop culture references. His first published work ‘Universe Down to Earth’ was released in 1994 and since then, he has released several other titles.

In 2006, Tyson became the host of the Emmy Award-winning television series, NOVA ScienceNow, where he has presented various topics such as dark matter, emerging energy technologies and astrobiology. His entertaining style of presenting scientific concepts has made him one of the most popular and commercial faces of science and astrophysics in the public domain. Tyson appears as a frequent guest Science on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he often discusses topics with a humorous take on various scientific issues.

In addition to books and television, Tyson has made informative podcasts, such as StarTalk, aimed at people of all ages. On the podcast, Tyson interviews celebrities, scientists and other popular figures about their experiences and perspectives. The show has received multiple awards, including several Webby Awards and is known for its wide range of topics and its examination of interesting questions about the universe and science.

Tyson’s commitment to promoting science and education have earned him multiple honors. He has been appointed a number of prestigious roles such as the first-ever Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the youngest at age 33. He has also been elected to the National Academy of Sciences and elected a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his book ‘Death By Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries’ in 2007.

Tyson's inspiring work has fostered an understanding of science and the universe among people of all ages and backgrounds. He continues to innovate and inspire with his work and is considered one of the most influential thought-leaders in science today.