Merry L. Morris

Merry L. Morris is a Professor in the Dance Program at the University of South Florida, where she has served since 1998. She holds a PhD in Dance Studies from Texas Woman’s University (2012–2017), an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Florida State University (pre-1998), and a BA from the University of South Florida (pre-1996). Her roles include Assistant Director, Interim Chair, and current faculty positions teaching courses like Dance Improvisation, Kinesiology, and Laban Movement Analysis.

Dr. Morris’ research focuses on interdisciplinary intersections of dance with disability studies, design, engineering, and health sciences. She pioneered assistive technology for mobility-impaired individuals through patented chair prototypes, featured at the Smithsonian Institution. Her work emphasizes human-material agency dynamics, disability activism, and inclusive design.

She leads initiatives in dance medicine via the USF Performing Arts Medicine Collaborative and co-edited Perspectives in Performing Arts Medicine Practice. Awards include recognition from the National Academy of Inventors, Florida Cultural Affairs, and media features on MSNBC, NPR, and PBS. Morris is a member of organizations like IADMS, NDEO, and SDS, and holds American Ballet Theatre® certification.

Her grants include Golden Key Research funding (2015) and ongoing collaborations with Arts4All Florida. Morris’ lab focuses on assistive technology innovation, with patents since 2016. She actively bridges academic, artistic, and engineering domains to advance accessibility and interdisciplinary practice.