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Specifically, if you wanted to follow his footsteps, become an astrophysicist. Or the equivalent in some field such as biology or genetics.
Or, if what you're really talking about is popularizing science, there are many interactive museums around the country looking for volunteers to run STEM programs. Volunteer at these museums, give planetarium talks, etc. Put together a couple of really good STEM programs for different age groups, children, middle school, high school, and adults. Volunteer to give these to school groups. Schools, teachers, civic groups are always looking for interesting speakers who can provide science at a reachable level. You don't need a PhD, but you do need to understand it well enough to present to groups. If you are any good, your name will get around and you will get requests to present. It will grow from there.
Contact the BSA and ask if there are any STEM Scouting programs in your area. They are also looking for volunteers.
Some of these volunteer jobs can lead to full time jobs.
I admire his work, but I'm not exactly sure what his career was exactly. I'm looking into changing careers, and I have a vague inkling "maybe something like that"
He didn't pull his punches and was known around Ithaca, where he lived and taught at Cornell, as someone who told it like it was even when "it" was horrifying (as it often was). I think of him as a scientist, not tied to one particular science.
The big question - how old are you? Most scientists make their mark before the age of 30 as the result of continuous education through their doctorate and tons of research.
In addition to all the schooling you need, he was most likely born with a unique and an extraordinary brain. All the school in the world can't help you with that. If you are serious about it though you should start school now as you have about 10 years or more ahead of you.
True. Some people "get" hard science and some don't.
The big question - how old are you? Most scientists make their mark before the age of 30 as the result of continuous education through their doctorate and tons of research.
Yes, but you majored in humanities. You will have absolutely zero authority to speak about scientific matters. To be somewhat credible as a science Evangelist, you have to have a PH.D. in hard science and then peer reviewed and respected research experience. Then after doing successful research work for about 20 years, you might be able to transition into more of the administrator/science PR type.
You might be able to lead some volunteer STEM tours in some kids' museum. But that is not even close to being like Carl Sagan.
You're 21? Studied in the humanities? Don't be discouraged young chap.
Some of the worlds famous scientist, in which laws of nature are named after, had no formal college education. Maxwell was self taught in math. Today, Maxwell's Equations are one of the more important equations in the world. They are even more important in todays world of WiFi and Cell signals.
So a good route would be a bachelors in physics. I think one that would give you a better bang for your time would be a bachelors in applied physics.
Edit 2: I should also add that a lot of scientist didn't discover their knack for math and science until they were in their 30's. This is more so true in math. A lot of very important theorems in the advanced math were done by dudes who didn't realize they were good at the stuff until they were 30 something.
Last edited by orionstars; 10-26-2017 at 12:05 PM..
Reason: mistake
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