Quinton L. Williams

Dr. Quinton L. Williams serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Howard University's College of Arts & Sciences, a position held since 2014 after previously serving as Professor and Chair of Physics at Jackson State University (2003-2014) where he also acted as Interim Provost. An active leader in the physics community, he is Past-President of the National Society of Black Physicists and former elected member of the American Institute of Physics Governing Board.

His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Physics from the Georgia Institute of Technology (1996) and a B.S. in Physics from Jackson State University (1990).

Dr. Williams' research centers on Advanced Batteries and Nanomaterials, with pioneering work applying carbon nanomaterials to enhance lithium-ion battery performance. His group develops graphene, carbon nanotube, and nanofiber composites to improve cathode materials like LiFePO4 and NMC, targeting faster charging rates and extended cycle life. His industry background includes fiber optics and photonics research at Bell Labs and co-founding an integrated optics company.

Analysis of his 2010-2022 publications reveals a consistent focus on nanomaterial-engineered battery solutions, particularly addressing high-voltage stability, rapid charging limitations, and interfacial challenges in next-generation energy storage. This work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with practical materials engineering for sustainable energy applications.

His professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the National Society of Black Physicists

Dr. Williams has mentored over thirty minority undergraduate and graduate students while securing major research funding:

• Department of Energy: $705,000 (2022-2025) as Subaward Principal Investigator for 'Understanding the Interfaces for High-Energy Batteries Using Anions as Charge Carriers'
• National Science Foundation: $301,919 (2020-2023) as Co-PI for the 'REU Site in Physics at Howard University'

He directs an active research laboratory at Howard specializing in nanomaterial synthesis and electrochemical characterization, maintaining partnerships with national laboratories and industry to advance battery technologies for electric vehicles and grid storage through experimental innovation and workforce development.