Clinical expertise
Dr Morris-Rosendahl is a senior scientist and clinical expert in the field of molecular genetics and genomics. She is known for her academic research, clinical leadership and contributions to genomics, developing new and innovative approaches to improve patient diagnostics.
Biography
Dr Morris-Rosendahl obtained her BSc Honours Degree in Zoology with distinction from the University of Cape Town and the Mammal Research Institute (MRI), University of Pretoria. She completed her PhD in human molecular genetics at the South African Institute for Medical Research and University of the Witwatersrand in 1989.
Her post-doctoral work included positions in South Africa and at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and a research fellowship in Germany funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Dr Morris-Rosendahl holds several leadership positions within clinical genomics and research institutions and was previously scientific director of the Southeast Genomic Laboratory Hub in London.
Research
Dr Morris-Rosendahl’s research has mostly involved the mapping and identification of new disease genes for both single gene disorders as well as complex neuropsychiatric conditions.
Her focus on neurodevelopmental disorders led to the identification of novel genes and new genotype-phenotype associations for various disorders of cortical development, including lissencephaly, primary microcephaly and microcephaly syndromes.
Her current research focusses on the development of novel and innovative technologies to improve diagnosis and diagnostic yield, particularly for inherited cardiac and respiratory conditions.
Reviewed regularly to reflect clinical best practice
Last reviewed: 16 April 2026