James M. Roe is an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 engineer

Engineer

An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...

 and amateur astronomer credited with the discovery of 94 asteroid

Asteroid

Asteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones...

s between 1998 and 2002. He is the founder and executive director of the Alliance for Astronomy, a non-profit corporation formed in 2004, whose stated purpose is "to promote public awareness, appreciation and education in astronomy and related sciences." From 1995 to 2003, he lived and worked in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca

Oaxaca , , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Oaxaca is one of the 31 states which, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided into 571 municipalities; of which 418 are governed by the system of customs and traditions...

, where he made most of his asteroid observations.

He was named Amateur Astronomer of the Year by the Mid-States Region of the Astronomical League

Astronomical League

The Astronomical League is an umbrella organization of amateur astronomy societies. Currently their membership consists of over 240 organizations across the United States, along with a number of Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members....

in 2006.