Frances J. Morris, PhD, is a scientist, educator, and nationally recognized authority in aging, cognition, and dementia-related care. Known widely as “the Dementia Whisperer,” Dr. Morris has spent decades working at the intersection of clinical science, higher education, and practical support for older adults and their caregivers.
Her career began in clinical laboratory science, with hands-on experience in hospital and international medical settings in the United States and abroad. She later served as Director of Microbiology at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, a large, full-service acute care hospital, where she oversaw laboratory operations critical to patient diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Dr. Morris went on to hold senior academic and executive leadership roles across higher education. She served as Academic Dean at Louisville College in Kentucky, where she was responsible for curriculum oversight, faculty leadership, and academic quality. She later became Campus Director and President at Tampa College in Lakeland, Florida, overseeing campus operations, academic programs, regulatory compliance, and institutional performance.
As a Full Professor at Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Morris oversaw and chaired health-related doctoral dissertations, guiding advanced research design and ensuring scholarly rigor at the highest academic level.
Her scientific work includes publications in peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Medical Technology, Journal of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and the American Journal of Public Health. In recent years, her focus has centered on dementia education, caregiver support, and cognitive health. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a frequent speaker at international neurological and dementia conferences, and the author of the forthcoming book Dementia! What a Hot Mess: Let’s Unpack It (2026).
As Chief Science Officer at VoltaWell™, Dr. Morris brings a rigorous, human-centered scientific lens to hydration research, with particular attention to aging, cognition, and cellular physiology. Her leadership helps ensure that VoltaWell™ remains grounded in evidence, clarity, and real-world relevance.