Ray A. Williamson received his Ph.D. in astronomy and physics from the University of Maryland. He is a research professor of International Affairs and Space Policy at the Space Policy Institute in the George Washington University. He has served as the senior associate and project director at the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), US Congress. He has been the assistant dean and tutor at St.John’s College and was a fellow of the Smithsonian Institution. He has served in a variety of positions in a number of universities. His research work includes the areas of astronomy, anthropology, archaeology, science history and public policy.