Donna M Hallas

Donna M. Hallas is a Clinical Professor and Program Director of the Pediatrics NP Program at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP-BC, PMHS) and an active clinician in primary care, focusing on high-risk children and behavioral issues. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP), and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pediatric Health Care.

• PhD, Adelphi University (1999)
• MS, State University of New York at Stony Brook (1991)
• MS, Indiana University (1979)
• BS, Adelphi University (1990)
• BS, University of Hartford (1974)
• Diploma, St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing (1971)

Her research focuses on pediatric health outcomes, particularly in vaccine hesitancy, oral health in young children, and social-emotional development. She collaborates with computer scientists to study digital tools for behavior management in children and investigates how toddlers develop technology skills. Her work emphasizes family-centered care and interprofessional collaboration, especially with dental professionals.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in public health advocacy, clinical education, and interdisciplinary research. Key themes include vaccine policy, oral health integration into primary care, behavioral pediatrics, ethical publishing, and the use of geospatial tools in population health. Her editorial leadership shapes national discourse in pediatric nursing.

• NYU Distinguished Teaching Award (2022)
• Book of the Year Award, American Journal of Nursing (2018)
• Nurse Practitioner of the Year, Long Island (2010)
• Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2019)
• Fellow, American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2011)

Dr. Hallas has received a $2.1 million HRSA grant to enhance clinical education for nurse practitioner preceptors. She mentors students through her teaching and research, and her textbook is a key resource in pediatric behavioral health. She writes a monthly column in Contemporary Pediatrics and is frequently consulted by media on pediatric health issues.

She leads research initiatives involving interprofessional teams, including dental faculty and computer scientists at NYU Courant Institute. Her work on oral health education programs and vaccine hesitancy interventions demonstrates a commitment to community-based, scalable solutions for improving child health.