Became a trustee of the James Randi Educational Foundation, a board manager for a Harlem Success Academy school, a board of directors member for the National Science Communication Institute and an advisor to the Science & Entertainment Exchange
Won the Navigator Award for distinguished service in support of national science and technology policy from the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in 2003
The Council of Scientific Society Presidents honored him with the Sagan Award for Public Understanding of Science in 2000
Earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Yale University, graduating in 1981
Quote: "All areas of science interest me, though I feel particular fondness for the life sciences, technology, and ethical and cultural challenges of new discoveries․"
Quote: "I like to blab about science--in print, online, on stage, in video, on podcasts, in classrooms, and on ViewMaster reels if anybody is still making those․"
Has appeared on a number of science-related television programs, notably as the host of "Hacking the Planet" and the "The Truth About․․․" specials
A science writer, he served as editor in chief of "Scientific American" from 1994 to 2009
Earned his black belt in the martial art of karate
In his free time, he has performed improve in New York City