Liliya L. R. Williams

Liliya L. R. Williams is a Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, where she also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics (MIfA). Her research focuses on gravitational lensing and classical dynamics to study mass distribution in the Universe across various scales from sub-galactic to galaxy-cluster levels.

Her research interests include:

• Gravitational lensing as a tool to map mass distributions without physical state assumptions
• Using multiple images of distant quasars and galaxies to study dark matter distribution
• Theoretical modeling of dark matter halos based on fundamental physical principles
• Connecting Newtonian gravity with statistical mechanics and thermodynamics
• Elucidating the nature of dark matter and constraining cosmological parameters

Dr. Williams' recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on using gravitational lensing to probe dark matter properties, particularly through analysis of galaxy clusters and highly magnified individual stars. Her work frequently involves collaboration with major space telescope initiatives including Hubble and upcoming James Webb Space Telescope observations.

Her notable research projects include:

• SNAP Survey for Strongly Lensed Supernovae and Magnified Stars (2024-2025)
• SNAP Survey for Extremely Magnified Individual Stars (2022-2026)
• Flashlights: Many Extremely Magnified Individual Stars as Probes of Dark Matter (2020-2026)
• Hubble Frontier Field Cluster Lens Reconstruction (2015-2017)

Dr. Williams has an extensive publication record with 120 research outputs. Her research fingerprint shows strongest expertise in Galaxies (100%), Lensing (97%), Dark Matter Physics (86%), and Galaxy Clusters Physics (58%). She actively collaborates with researchers worldwide on projects that contribute to understanding the fundamental nature of dark matter and its role in cosmic structure formation.