Dr Gavin Williams
PhD, BSc
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Senior University Teacher
Semiconductor Materials and Devices Research Group
- Profile
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I have a BEng in Physics from 91Ö±²¥ (TUoS). I then spent two years working in London during the early days of computerised cartography.
I then joined 91Ö±²¥ 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
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- PhD Physics, 91Ö±²¥ Hallam University, 1990
- BSc Physics, University of 91Ö±²¥, 1983
- Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence MEE 2021 (HEA)
- Research interests
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Microfabrication
- Teaching activities
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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