Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will be on the University of Houston campus Wednesday, April 13 to give the 2011 Elizabeth D. Rockwell Lecture on Ethics and Leadership. He will discuss "America's Past, Present and Future in Space."

Tyson is an outspoken advocate for science education and strives to give an accessible understanding of the science that shapes our place in the universe. He is the author of numerous books, director of the Hayden Planetarium, host of PBS’ education science television show "Nova scienceNow," and a monthly essayist for Natural History magazine. Tyson also was appointed by former President George W. Bush to service on two commissions studying the future of U.S. space exploration policy and was appointed by the head of NASA to serve on its advisory council.

Tyson earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard and his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia. His research interests include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way. The Rockwell Lecture will be held in the Cullen Performance Hall.

The event, which is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served, and parking is available at the Welcome Center Garage for $3 after 6 p.m. Currently, the lecture is at full capacity. For those who have not submitted RSVPs but want to attend the free event, organizers will accommodate as many people as possible if seats become available at the time of the lecture. For more information, call the UH Call Center at 713-743-1000.
Laura Tolley