Aliza Ben-Zacharia

Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, is an Assistant Professor at the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, City University of New York (CUNY). She specializes in improving care for patients with neurological diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disorders. Her clinical experience spans roles as an adult-acute nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and staff nurse. She previously served as President of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) and Associate Director of the Center for Nursing Research and Innovation at Mount Sinai Hospital.

• Education
  • PhD in Nursing Science, New York University, 2020
  • MS in Nutrition, Columbia University, 2014
  • DNP in Nursing Education, Case Western Reserve University, 2010
  • Advanced Certificate in Adult Nurse Practitioner, Columbia University, 1997
  • MS in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Hunter College, CUNY, 1992
  • BSN in Nursing Science, Hebrew University Hadassah Jerusalem, Israel, 1983

Her research focuses on technology use in neurology, palliative care, and the impact of environmental factors like BMI on MS progression, cognitive function, and brain volume. She collaborates with institutions such as Yale University and Mount Sinai on educational/technological models for undergraduate neuroscience education. Current projects include palliative care education for neurological chronic illnesses with teams from Greenwich Hospital and Maimonides Hospital.

• Scientific Awards and Honors
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), 2019
  • Cullman Family Award for Excellence in Physician/Patient Communication, 2017
  • Member, The New York Academy of Medicine, 2017
  • President and President Elect, IOMSN, 2016
  • Research Award, IOMSN, 2015
  • Hall of Fame Award, National MS Society, 2009
  • Professional Education Award, NMSS NYC Chapter, 2007
  • Volunteer Award of Excellence, NMSS Mid-Jersey Chapter, 2004
  • Recognition of Excellence Service Award, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 2002
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 1995
  • Divisional Award for Rehabilitation Expertise, Mount Sinai, 1994

Dr. Ben-Zacharia's work bridges nursing science with technology and policy, emphasizing patient-centered care. She is funded by the PSC-CUNY Foundation for her research on educational models for neurological disease complexity and has contributed to advancements in music therapy for cognitive function in neurological patients.