"MASH" and "West Wing" actor Alan Alda used his star power to promote science and communication skills at the Project Fibonacci Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Conference, on Wednesday night.

Alda took the stage at SUNY Polytechnic Institute to a packed crowd of all ages to share this love of science. The charismatic Dr. Hawkeye Pierce came to life during the event, adding humor to his stories about being on set or preparing for his roles.

He recalled a time when he was rushed to a hospital for an emergency surgery. He remembered explaining to doctors that he had performed the surgery many times before, on TV of course.

He said that experience along with interviewing doctors for his role on "MASH" made him want to teach scientists to use jargon-free explanations.

Many fans were thrilled to hear from the actor and about his passion for science.

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