Dr. Williams joined Global Science and Technology as their Chief Scientist in February 2010 immediately upon retiring from a distinguished 35-year career in NASA Goddard’s Earth Science Division. At NASA Goddard he conducted remote sensing research to develop enhanced techniques for assessing terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Over time he assumed science management positions of increasing responsibility, including international field campaign manager, Branch Head, Landsat Project Scientist, and Laboratory Associate and Acting Chief. He worked with and mentored several EOS-era Project Scientists (Terra, Aqua, ICESat, NMP Earth Observer-1, Landsat Data Continuity Mission, etc.), and received NASA medals for Outstanding Leadership (1997) and Exceptional Service (2000). In 1999 Williams received the “Aviation Week and Space Technology 1999 Laurels Award” for outstanding achievement in the field of Space in recognition of his science leadership role for the Landsat 7 mission. In 2006 he received an "Outstanding Alumni Award" from the School of Forest Resources at the Pennsylvania State University where he received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Forest Science in 1973 and 1974, respectively. Williams attained his PhD in Physical Geography from the University of Maryland in 1989. In 2012 Williams was invited to join the Advisory Board for the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more popularly known as Virginia Tech University.
In addition to fulfilling his Chief Scientist duties, Dr. Williams’ activities at GST have been focused on the development of highly capable lower cost smallsat solutions for Earth and weather observations.
