As a student at Cornell University, Bill Nye the Science Guy was introduced to the wonders of astronomy in a class taught by Carl Sagan himself, one of the original founders of The Space Institute. So for Bill, it was like coming full circle to join the Institute’s Board of Directors, then become the organization’s Vice-president, and now its first Chief Executive Officer.
Bill’s mission for many years has been to turn on the public in general, and kids in particular, to the “way cool” wonders of science. Scientist, comedian, teacher, and author, Bill became a household name with his innovative, fast-paced television series, Bill Nye the Science Guy. His latest TV program, 100 Greatest Discoveries, airs in eight installments on the Science Channel.
Bill earned a degree in mechanical engineering at Cornell University and spent several years working as an engineer until he combined his dual love of science and comedy to create the Science Guy.
Born in Washington, D.C., he has a seminal childhood memory of flying a rubber band-powered airplane and figuring out how to make it turn left. It was the start of his life-long love of airplanes and spacecraft. After graduating from Cornell University, Bill worked for the Boeing Corporation for the next three years. He continued to work as a consulting engineer on various projects in the 1980s, with clients that included the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bill's career took a different path in 1986 when he originated Bill Nye the Science Guy on KJR Radio in Seattle, Washington. He was also the writer and talent for Almost Live, a television comedy show produced by KING Television, Seattle, for which he won 13 local Emmy awards for writing and performing. From 1992 to 1998, Bill was the writer, producer and talent for the Emmy award-winning Bill Nye the Science Guy TV series co-produced by Buena Vista Television (Disney) and KCTS (Seattle public television).
Bill has authored several books, including his latest: Bill Nye The Science Guy's Great Big Book of Tiny Germs.
Additionally, he cannot help but encourage everyone to join the Space Institute and support the cause of space exploration.