In her leadership role at OICR, Dr. Williams oversees the development and achievement of strategic priorities across the Institute’s translational cancer research programs. Dr. Williams leads engagement and communications strategies with a broad range of provincial, national, and international partners. Through the Implementation Science Program, Dr. Williams helps OICR bridge the gap between research and its use in real-world settings to ensure more innovation impacts patient care.

As the Executive Director of ACCESS, Dr. Williams is leading a multi-stakeholder network to support pediatric cancer research and promote health system change leading to better outcomes and quality of life for all Canadian children with cancer.

Dr. Williams received a degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University and a PhD in Immunology from the University of Toronto. She did postdoctoral research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University where she studied the molecular pathways involved in the development of leukemia and lymphoma in children. Prior to her role at OICR, Dr. Williams held leadership positions at the National Cancer Institute of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dr. Williams is currently a member of several boards and advisory committees at research, healthcare and community organizations.