Catherine Asaro (born 1955) is an American author, physicist, and mathematician, best known for her Saga of the Skolian Empire series. Her works blend hard science fiction with romantic and political intrigue, often exploring themes of advanced technology and human relationships. Asaro has won multiple Nebula Awards and is recognized for her contributions to speculative fiction and her advocacy for women in STEM fields. She also has a PhD in chemical physics from Harvard University and has taught math and science.