Willie Pearson, Jr.,  is a professor of sociology at the School of History, Technology, and Society, Georgia Institute of Technology.  Prior to joining the faculty at Georgia Tech as chair of the School of History, Technology and Society in July 2001, he held a distinguished appointment as Wake Forest Professor of Sociology at Wake Forest University and an adjunct position in medical education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Most of Dr. Pearson's research has centered on the career patterns of Ph.D. scientists, particularly African Americans, and on human resource issues in science and engineering.  His publications include numerous articles in refereed journals and chapters.  He is the author or co-author of seven books and monographs and has served as associate editor of Contemporary Sociology, American Sociological Association (1987-91).  Dr. Pearson serves or has also served on the editorial boards of Sociological Spectrum; Science, Technology and Human Values; Science and Engineering Ethics; and Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis.