Half the humans are women, so I think half the scientists should be women - a legacy of my parents. - Bill Nye

Nye, a Cornell University graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, studied under the late astronomer Carl Sagan.

A graduate of Cornell University, Nye began his career as an engineer. In fact, Boeing still uses his hydraulic pressure resonance suppressor today.

Nye grew up in a science-minded family in Washington, D.C. His mom was a math and science whiz. His dad manufactured sundials. His grandfather was an organic scientist. Fittingly, one of young Bill’s favorite hangouts was the original Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which looked like a small Quonset hut.