Mark Williams

Mark Williams is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Physics at Northeastern University, leading the Williams Laboratory for Single Molecule Biophysics. His research focuses on developing single molecule techniques to study nucleic acid interactions in viral replication (HIV, SARS-CoV-2), retrotransposons (LINE-1), and chromatin biology (nucleosome dynamics). The lab employs optical tweezers, AFM, and fluorescence microscopy to investigate protein-DNA/RNA interactions at the biophysical level.

Key research areas include HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein mechanisms, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid functional switches, HMGB protein-mediated nucleosome destabilization, and drug-DNA interactions (e.g., doxorubicin, ruthenium complexes). Collaborations with biological experts ensure translation of biophysical findings into biological context.

Recent articles (2023-2025) highlight advancements in understanding HIV uncoating regulation via DNA condensation, SARS-CoV-2 N protein structure-function relationships, and nucleosome chaperone activities of FACT/LEDGF. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in texts.

Labs/Teams: Founder of the Williams Laboratory for Single Molecule Biophysics at Northeastern's Dana Research Center. Active in virology, biophysics, and structural biology communities. Research has been featured in Northeastern news for its potential impact on HIV treatment development.