CHARLESTON, W.Va. — He may not be the world’s most revered scientist, but to those who grew up in the ’90s he’s certainly one of the most beloved. Bill Nye the Science Guy will speak at Charleston’s Clay Center Thursday night to a sold-out audience.
“Bill Nye has been a very popular figure in the science community and through his television appearances he’s been there for a number of years,” said West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Paul Hill. “A lot of people know him and a lot of people are very excited to have an opportunity to see him in person.”
Nye is a scientist, but also a comedian and combined the two into a witty but educational show that aired on PBS and in syndication from 1993 to 1998. He had the blue lab coat, bow tie, and often tied whatever the days scientific subject was to well written parody songs. The silliness was fun and a lot of kids learned a lot about science through his antics.
“He does have a lot of personality, he’s great to watch,” said Hill. “He’s also an entertainer and humorous and engaging. Those are the things we hope will also help him convey his message about the importance of science.”
Nye will visit Charleston as part of the chancellor’s STEM Speaker Series.
Recently Nye has been outspoken about climate change and is one who has encouraged transitioning away from fossil fuels.
“Climate change is not something you should be debating, or denying,” Nye said in previous interviews. “Shooting the messenger isn’t going to help you on climate change.”
Although it’s doubtful Nye would shy away from a discussion about climate change and fossil fuels, his appearance in Charleston Wednesday isn’t necessarily about either topic. The speaker series is aimed at cultivating a new generation of young people interested in pursuing science as a career.
“I understand he’s going to be talking about some of his own experiences,” said Hill. “Becoming a scientist, being a lifelong learner, which we talk about a lot and how discoveries by human beings have changed the course of our history in many ways.”