Advancing gerontological nursing, dementia caregiving, and AI innovation in healthcare education

Whitnie Willis, MSN, RN, is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Auburn University College of Nursing and a PhD student whose work focuses on improving quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their caregivers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. She brings more than 16 years of nursing experience in emergency nursing, long-term care, and leadership, and holds a joint faculty appointment with a community hospital where she leads interprofessional collaboration initiatives. Her research bridges ADRD caregiving, gerontological nursing, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in healthcare education and practice, with a focus on applying AI to reduce caregiver stress and strengthen support for families affected by dementia.