SEATTLE, March 26, 2026—On April 4 author Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D. or "MayNERD" from his breakthrough kid's science show MayNERD's Wild World of Science, uncovers the strangest corners of science revealed in his book, Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters – 16 Incredible Ways That Scientists are Changing the World. Okerke’s colorfully illustrated book looks into some of the most fascinating and strange corners of scientific research, from physics and engineering to ecology and neuroscience. The program is free for Museum Members and with General Admission. A book signing follows the event.


Okerke aims to inspire all readers and budding scientists to look at the world with fresh curiosity and consider how science can be used to help people, help nature, or enhance our understanding about the world. Interviews with real scientists highlight representation for diverse children and how scientists from a wide range of backgrounds are working to build a better future for our planet. The book is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.


About Maynard Okereke

Maynard Okereke graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Social Media, the National Society of Black Engineers' Entrepreneur of the Year, and most recently Ebony's Power 100 List. He's been featured on Netflix's Ada Twist Scientist, The Science Channel, Curiosity Stream, and his STEM outreach work has been published in Scientific American. Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the STEM fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths.

Images: Portrait of Maynard Okereke, courtesy of the author. Graphic composite created by The Museum of Flight using illustration and book cover courtesy of the publisher.


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Media Contact:

Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org