Gareth Williams is a senior researcher focused on the policy and practice of cybersecurity. His work engages and aligns research across federal and national laboratory programs to improve the security and resilience of the transmission and distribution electric grid. A qualitative social scientist, Williams’ academic research examined how organizations influence policy and cultural expectations through both ethical and unethical means, and his doctoral dissertation examined how co-op utilities participated in communicative networks to manage the compounding challenges of cybersecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the digital divide.

While in the doctoral program, Williams taught courses in strategic communication and public relations. Professionally, Williams provided strategic and outreach communication support and facilitated program planning and execution for clients at federal agencies—including the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration—and nonprofit and public sector clients. He is a certified Project Management Professional and has facilitated scientific program peer reviews, technology road mapping sessions, and strategic planning initiatives.

Education

Ph.D., Communication—Strategic Communication and Public Relations, University of Maryland

M.A., Communication—Strategic Communication and Public Relations, University of Maryland

Certificate, Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities, University of Maryland

M.A., Liberal Arts, St. John’s College, Annapolis

B.A., English Writing, Psychology, Towson University

Professional Experience

Communication Strategist, Beam Reach Consulting Group (2017–2022)

Graduate Instructor, University of Maryland (2016–2022)

Team Lead, Technical Communications, Energetics Incorporated (2002–2007; 2008–2016)

Science Writer, Chugach Alaska Corporation (2007–2008)

Research Associate, Art & Science Group, LLC (2000–2002)

Awards and Honors

Outstanding Teacher Award (Graduate Student), Department of Communication, University of Maryland (2021)

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, The Graduate School, University of Maryland (2020)