Lily Williams
Applied Physicist · Data Scientist
Overview
I am driven by curiosity and by the process of finding patterns in complex systems. I love working with data — understanding where it comes from, what it can (and cannot) tell us, and how careful analysis can turn uncertainty into insight.
At the same time, I care deeply about people and about building things that are useful to others. Much of my work has involved creating tools, experiments, or analyses that other people rely on, whether that is an experimental instrument, a data pipeline, or a shared research workflow.
I am a lifelong learner who genuinely enjoys not knowing things at first. I like asking questions, following them through technical detail, and learning new domains well enough to contribute meaningfully. This has led me to work across physics, engineering, data analysis, and governance, and I am comfortable moving between fields when the problem demands it.
I am looking for roles where curiosity, thoughtful problem-solving, and collaboration are valued — and where there is room to keep learning while building systems that matter.
Professional Experience
Nanodevice Instrumentation Researcher & Materials Physicist
Designed, built, and operated custom low-temperature atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems for semiconductor and nanodevice characterization. This work involved integrating cryogenic cooling, vacuum systems, electrical feedthroughs, and low-noise signal wiring to achieve reliable operation below 5 K.
I was responsible for mechanical and electrical design, prototyping, hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, calibration, and system documentation, with an emphasis on reproducibility and long-term maintainability.
Machine Learning & Data Science Intern
Developed internal automation tools and data workflows for large-scale geospatial datasets. Constructed of one of the world’s largest real-time maritime port databases for maritime law enforcement and improved reproducibility and reliability of internal ML pipelines.
Medical Imaging Instrumentation Analyst
Characterized X-ray detector performance using automated Python and MATLAB analysis tools. Built signal-processing pipelines for parameter optimization, and performance evaluation, and contributed recommendations for system-level improvements.
Crystal Synthesis & Optical Spectroscopy Researcher
Conducted synthesis and characterization of lanthanide-doped Y₂SiO₅ (YSO) microcrystals for quantum and photonic applications -- created Ce-, Nd-, Eu-, and Ho-doped YSO microcrystals. Performed optical spectroscopy, XRD, and FTIR measurements, operated tunable dye-laser systems, and contributed to a peer-reviewed publication.
Engineering Officer Under Training
Supported avionics and mechanical maintenance for Seasprite helicopters in a safety-critical environment. Assisted with supervised inspection, troubleshooting, and systems maintenance alongside senior engineers, gaining exposure to disciplined engineering practice and operational safety culture. Assisted with mission operations as my squadron was deployed as front-line SAR in response to the White Island volcanic disaster. Underwent high-level leadership training specialising in team-leadership under high-pressure environments.
Physics Teaching & Laboratory Assistant
Led undergraduate laboratory sessions for hundreds of students with a focus on experimental methods, safe instrumentation handling, and measurement accuracy. Mentored students on data acquisition, uncertainty, and good experimental practice. Honourable mention for the Edith Engelberg Teaching Awards at McGill University. Voted Unofficial Best TA at the University of Canterbury.
Publications & Presentations
Martin, J. L. B., Williams, L.F., et al. “Growth and characterization of Er³⁺:Y₂SiO₅ and
Eu³⁺:Y₂SiO₅ microcrystals for integrated photonic applications.”
Optical Materials, Vol. 139, 114099 (2023).
Selected conference presentations include work presented at NC-AFM 2024, CONFETI 2024, and the McGill McISCE Conference on applications of AFM to sustainable energy systems. Seminar presenter at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics.
Education
MSc, Physics (Thesis)
McGill University · 2025 · 3.80/4.00
Research focus: design, integration, and operation of custom electromechanical cryogenic AFM systems for
silicon nanodevice studies.
Thesis: When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Stops Working: Upgrades for Increased Reliability in a Low-Temperature Atomic Force Microscope.
BSc, Physics & Computer Science
University of Canterbury · 2023 · Top 15% of Students
Focus on materials physics, electromagnetism, electronics, mechatronics design, data science, and
computational methods.
Leadership & Volunteering
I have been actively involved in volunteer leadership and governance roles throughout my life and graduate studies, particularly in areas related to equity, departmental culture, and responsible scientific practice.
I served as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer for the McGill Graduate Physics Student Society, working with students and faculty to support inclusive practices, improve communication, and advocate for underrepresented groups. This role required balancing interpersonal sensitivity with practical, systems-level thinking. I helped organize and facilitate the Physics and Ethics Committee, which hosted discussions on the societal responsibilities of scientific work.
I also served on the Physics Department EDI Committee and as a representative on the McGill Faculty of Science Council, gaining experience with formal governance, consensus-building, and long-term institutional decision-making. Additionally, I served on three different McGill executive search committees.
During my graduate degree, I volunteered at local elementary schools to teach young girls science by helping them build telescopes in Minecraft, through McGill's Science in Space program sponsored by Dell. I also was regularly involved in organising and running public lectures, various department open days, and was an event organiser and mentor at the McGill Physics Hackathons in 2023 and 2024. In my undergraduate degree, I volunteered as an educator at public science outreach events, including local science fairs and festivals at which my university had a presence. I organised and taught a dozen radiation education workshops for local high school students, which included handling of real (used) uranium fuel rods from the university's old test reactor. I have also done volunteer work in non-education-related areas, such as at COVID vaccine clinics during the pandemic, where I helped comfort nervous patients and organise the hundreds of visitors each hour; in a similar vein, I was a care-package delivery driver, dropping around medical and food care packages to students at the university who got sick and didn't have strong support networks.
I truly love helping people, and I hope to continue volunteering throughout my life.