HoustonPBS Launches New Lecture SeriesNeil deGrasse Tyson, host of popular PBS series NOVA scienceNOW, kicks off lecture series Sept. 10

September 4, 2008

HoustonPBS is launching its new Elevate Lecture Series at 7p.m., Sept. 10 at Cullen Performance Hall. The first lecture features Neil deGrasse Tyson, famed astrophysicist and host of the popular PBS series, NOVA scienceNOW. Tyson will speak to space enthusiasts about the persistent mismatch between the future they want vs. the future that will come.

The goal of the Elevate series is to offer Houstonians an opportunity to be inspired and learn practical, valuable information from some of their favorite PBS personalities, as well as the country’s leading thinkers and experts on a range of topics. The series was created in response to requests from viewers and members for useful and intelligent events similar to the type of programming they watch on HoustonPBS.

“We are excited to be opening our lecture series with Dr. Tyson,” said John Hesse, general manager of HoustonPBS. “I think he is the perfect lecturer to kick off the series here in ‘Space City.’ I think our audience will come away with a greater understanding of his vision and for his love of science and its everyday applications.”

HoustonPBS is creating a dynamic online component that will allow users to interact with each other and experts, as well as serve as an educational destination featuring local and national resources and an online salon. Following the lectures, participants will be encouraged to return to the Web site to access additional information.

deGrasse Tyson is a respected scientist, author and director of the Hayden Planetarium in the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History. An astrophysicist, he was appointed the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in 1995. His research interests include star formation, dwarf galaxies and the structure of our Milky Way.

Tickets for the HoustonPBS Elevate Lecture Series are $25 for general admission and $20 for HoustonPBS members and students. Visit HoustonPBS.org or call (713) 743-8459 to purchase tickets. 

This HoustonPBS Elevate Lecture Series is presented by the John P. McGovern Foundation and underwritten by The Boeing Company.