About

Dr. Margaret Williams joined the Biology Department in 2026, bringing a long-standing connection to Case Western Reserve University as both a graduate student (Ph.D. 2008) and an adjunct instructor in the Department of Biochemistry. Dr. Williams draws on a breadth of knowledge and experiences to help students develop a deep appreciation for the wonder and complexity of biological systems. Her teaching style combines traditional lecture with active learning, art, music, and storytelling. Her research experience has spanned scales from the molecular to the computational. As a doctoral student, she investigated the mechanism of a model RNA helicase using single-molecule fluorescence techniques. As an Assistant Professor at Notre Dame College, she mentored undergraduate researchers studying the metabolism and interactions of the diverse bacterial communities that inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. Most recently, she has collaborated with researchers at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and partner VA hospitals across the country to develop algorithms that improve cancer detection and prognostic assessment in the veteran population using biopsy and radiology image data. Together, these experiences have shaped her commitment to supporting students as developing scientists. Dr. Williams strongly believes in the benefits of individualized mentorship and instruction to meet students where they are and guide them toward becoming confident and secure in their personal scientific journeys.