Professor Dr. Paul Williams

Biography

Paul Williams is an Associate Professor at Carleton University specializing in Cultural and Historical Geography. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University, followed by a Master of Philosophy from Cardiff University in Wales, and culminated with a Ph.D. from Queen’s University. Over the past two decades, he has carved a niche in the field of cultural geography with a focus on place, nation, and identity, particularly how the meanings of places evolve over time through personal narratives and heritage. He has coined the term 'place-biography' to describe this process, emphasizing the importance of heritage places in shaping local, regional, and national identities. Recently, he has been exploring post-industrial landscapes and their associated cultural memories through collaborative projects with senior undergraduate students. One of his noteworthy initiatives is the creation of an online Historical Atlas that documents the changing landscapes of Chaudiere Falls and will soon focus on LeBreton Flats.

Research Interests