Raleigh, N.C. — A science rock star has become a permanent part of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.

Edward Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winning scientist and Harvard University researcher, is known for his study of ants and biodiversity.

His book, "E.O. Wilson's Life on Earth," is now part of the museum's Citizen Science Center. The museum plans to make iPads available for visitors to read the book.

Wilson said during a Thursday visit to the museum that it's critical to keep students engaged in the world of science.

"So much of the world is technical and scientific. We are now in an age where literacy and interest in science is vital to our long-term economic and other progress," he said.