Paul Zachary Myers

Paul Zachary "PZ" Myers, born on March 9, 1957, is a prominent American biologist and educator affiliated with the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM), where he serves as an associate professor of biology. His research primarily focuses on evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), particularly involving zebrafish, while he also has a keen interest in cephalopods. Over the years, Myers has contributed extensively to scientific literature, with numerous articles published in prestigious journals such as Nature.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Myers is a vocal critic of intelligent design and the broader creationist movement, positioning himself as a key figure in the ongoing American creation-evolution debate. He is well-known for his confrontational style, which has made him a notable advocate for science education and rational discourse in the face of pseudoscience.

In 2006, his influential science blog, Pharyngula, garnered significant recognition when Nature ranked it as the top blog authored by a scientist. His efforts and contributions to the field of science and humanism earned him the prestigious Humanist of the Year award in 2009. In a testament to his impact, asteroid 153298 has been named in his honor, solidifying his legacy both in academia and popular science discourse.