Ayse Malatyali, Ph.D. ’20, MBA ‘10
Nursing was a natural path for alumna Ayse Malatyali, Ph.D., to follow. Her deep sense of caring, compassion and a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives attracted her to answer the call to care.
Today, Malatyali works as an assistant professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses while also conducting research on cognitive aging. Her primary research interest lies in exploring the social and behavioral determinants of cognitive health among older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related diseases, particularly within rural and marginalized populations.
“Witnessing my students’ growth and development remains the most rewarding part of my academic career,” expressed Malatyali. “Looking ahead, I hope that my research evolves into an early prevention program for Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately improving the lives of millions in low-income and marginalized communities.”
Thirty-three years ago, Malatyali earned her BSN degree from Istanbul University. Shortly thereafter, she began her career as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital in Turkey. Four years later, Malatyali transitioned to public health, and took a position in the State Department of Health Project Unit.
In 2002, Malatyali relocated to Florida, where she gained diverse professional experiences, including community health, home health care and case management positions. She enrolled in Florida Atlantic University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and received her degree in 2010. Later, she joined the College of Nursing’s BSN-Ph.D. program, from which she graduated in 2020.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and mentorship I received from Drs. Christine Williams and Lisa Wiese during and after my Ph.D. education at Florida Atlantic University,” shared Malatyali. “Their expertise and guidance in cognitive aging, my dissertation committee and academia have been invaluable. Dr. Shirley Gordon, my dissertation chair, was always steadfast in her support throughout the challenges of finishing my degree during the pandemic.”
Following the completion of her Ph.D., Malatyali accepted her first faculty position as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. In 2022, Malatyali moved into her current position as an assistant faculty member at UCF. Even though Malatyali is now based in the Orlando area, she still collaborates with Dr. Wiese on her current research projects, which she feels is a privilege.
“Each position throughout my career has enriched my personal and professional development, and I am profoundly grateful for these experiences,” said Malatyali.
Recently, Malatyali completed the Assistant Professor Mentoring Program Award through the UCF Office of Research. In addition, she is a member of and volunteer for multiple organizations, including the Southern Nursing Research Society, the Gerontological Society of America and The Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment.