Dr. Williams’ NIH-funded program of research tests interventions designed to improve communication between nursing home staff and residents, promote self-care of assisted living residents using cognitive training, and support family members caring for persons with dementia at home using in-home monitoring as a basis for professional feedback. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America. Her research linking elderspeak communication to behavior of persons with dementia was highlighted by the Alzheimer’s Association and reported in the national media including Good Morning America, the CBS Evening News, and the New York Times.