Stephen Baxter is a popular author of SciFi books.
He has degrees in mathematics, from Cambridge University, engineering, from Southampton University, and in business administration, from Henley Management College. He worked as a teacher of maths and physics, and for several years in information technology. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society.
He started publishing in 1987, with novel in 1991. He is a President of the British Science Fiction Association, and a Vice-President of the HG Wells Society.
He has written original work, co-authored books with other famous SciFi authors (e.g. "Time Odyssey" series with Arthur C. Clarke) and written in established universes such as his "Dr. Who" novel "The Wheel of Ice"
References:
Official Website: http://www.stephen-baxter.com/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Baxter
