Dr Gavin Williams
PhD, BSc
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Senior University Teacher
Semiconductor Materials and Devices Research Group
![Headshot of Gavin Williams](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/profile_square_lg_1x/public/2020-05/Gavin%20Williams.jpg?h=9bcf34a2&itok=pa5cn41c)
![Profile picture of Headshot of Gavin Williams](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/profile_modal/public/2020-05/Gavin%20Williams.jpg?h=9bcf34a2&itok=SLGWUWAk)
- Profile
-
I have a BEng in Physics from The University of Sheffield (TUoS). I then spent two years working in London during the early days of computerised cartography.
I then joined Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) to study for a PhD in the characterisation of phosphate-based glass systems. Following completion of my PhD I joined the Materials Research Institute at SHU where I worked firstly under John Brooks and then Wolf-Dieter Münz and was responsible for the operation of an industrial-scale PVD coating unit.
In 1996 I came back to TUoS, joining Peter Ivey’s research group in the Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) department.
Since then I have been involved with many research projects concerned with the packaging of microelectronics and other aspects of microfabrication.
I currently have three main areas of responsibility: teaching for EEE; admissions tutor for EEE and operation of the Diamond Cleanroom.
I deliver an innovative first year module in which students reverse-engineer consumer electronics systems. This is a great preparation for their final year projects where they have to build their own systems!
I also deliver the majority of a fourth year module in which students learn about the vital practical aspects of microsystems packaging and assembly. I also act as a personal tutor and as a supervisor for final year projects.
I am the lead academic for the Diamond Cleanroom. This facility is used to give students hands-on experience of the design, build and test of micron-scale components, including diodes, transistors, solar cells and RF filters.
In my role as admissions tutor I am responsible for coordinating EEE’s home undergraduate recruitment, including delivery of our pre- and post-application open days and outreach events.
- Qualifications
-
- PhD Physics, Sheffield Hallam University, 1990
- BSc Physics, University of Sheffield, 1983
- Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence MEE 2021 (HEA)
- Research interests
-
Microfabrication
- Teaching activities
-
Lecturer for courses:
- EEE163 System Design Analysis
- EEE6214 Microsystem Packaging
Laboratory sessions:
- First year: LED lab; 'Rip it apart' labs
- Second year: Schottky diode lab; SAW filter design exercise
- Third and fourth year: project supervision
- MSc: Project supervision
Other roles:
- Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
- Lead academic for Diamond Cleanroom