William Robert Graham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Graham
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| 4th Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy | |
| In office October 2, 1986 – June 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Richard Johnson (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Thomas P. Rona (Acting) |
| Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration | |
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Acting
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| In office December 4, 1985 – May 11, 1986 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | James M. Beggs |
| Succeeded by | James C. Fletcher |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 15, 1937 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | California Institute of Technology (BS) Stanford University (MS, PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Institutions | Air Force Weapons Laboratory Rand Corporation NASA |
| Thesis | Electro-optical generation of electromagnetic radiation (1963) |
William Robert Graham (born June 15, 1937) is an American physicist who has held many important roles in the United States government. He served as a top advisor on arms control, worked as a leader at NASA, and was a science advisor to President Ronald Reagan. His career has focused on science, technology, and national security.
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Who is William Graham?
William Graham is a scientist who helped shape important government policies. He worked closely with presidents and led major science organizations. His work often involved complex topics like space travel and national defense.
Early Life and Education
William Graham was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 15, 1937. He was a very bright student. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science in physics, from the California Institute of Technology in 1959. He then continued his studies at Stanford University. There, he earned a Master of Science degree in engineering science in 1961. He completed his education with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in electrical engineering in 1963.
Starting His Career
After finishing his studies, Graham joined the Air Force Weapons Laboratory. He worked there for three years as a project officer. His team researched how strategic systems could survive attacks. Later, he spent six years at the Rand Corporation, a famous research organization. In 1971, he helped start his own company, R&D Associates.
Working with President Reagan
In 1980, William Graham became an advisor to Ronald Reagan, who was running for president. After Reagan won, Graham joined his team. From 1982 to 1985, he led the General Advisory Committee on Arms Control and Disarmament. This group advised the president on agreements to control weapons. He helped write a report about how the Soviet Union followed arms control agreements.
Leading NASA
In 1985, President Reagan nominated Graham to be the Deputy Administrator of NASA. He was confirmed by the United States Senate and started his role in November 1985. From December 1985 to May 1986, Graham served as the acting Administrator of NASA. This meant he was in charge of the entire space agency.
During his time as acting administrator, the Space Shuttle Challenger was launched. Sadly, the shuttle broke apart shortly after launch due to a problem with its parts in cold weather. This was a very difficult time for NASA and the nation.
Science Advisor to the President
After leaving NASA, Graham took on another very important role. In October 1986, he became the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). At the same time, he was also the science advisor to President Reagan. In these roles, he helped guide the nation's science and technology plans. He held these positions until June 1989. After that, he worked for companies focused on national security.
Important Advisory Roles
William Graham has also advised the United States Secretary of Defense. He served on many important national and international groups. These groups included committees for the National Academy of Sciences. He also worked with the Defense Science Board, leading several studies. From 2006 to 2008, he was part of the State Department's International Security Advisory Board.
In 1998, Graham was on the Rumsfeld Commission. This group studied the threat of ballistic missiles to the United States. In 2000, he served on another commission. This one looked at how the U.S. managed its national security space programs.
Understanding EMP Threats
From 2001 to 2008, William Graham led a special commission. This group studied the threat of an nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. An EMP is a burst of energy that can damage electronic systems.
Graham warned that an EMP attack could cause major problems for a country. He explained that if the power grid and other important systems were damaged, it would be very hard for people to get food and other basic needs. He also pointed out that many people do not know enough about this kind of threat.
