Cira Fraser, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
Neura.net Nurse Network Editor
Co-editor of MS Scan
Associate Professor and Graduate Faculty
Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, New Jersey

Dr. Fraser is associate professor and a member of the graduate faculty at the Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey.

Dr. Fraser received her nursing diploma from the School of Nursing at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Staten Island, New York, her BSN degree from the College of Staten Island in New York, her MS in nursing from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, and her PhD in nursing from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. She is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse in medical–surgical nursing.

She served as a board member of the Multiple Sclerosis Nurses International Certification Board from 2001-2006 and is a member of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses, where she serves on the Research Committee. She is a member of several professional societies, including the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. Dr. Fraser is an ad hoc reviewer for the International Journal of MS Care and several other peer reviewed journals. She is also a grant reviewer for the Italian MS Society.

Dr. Fraser is the principal research investigator for several studies exploring predictors of adherence to glatiramer acetate therapy in individuals with multiple sclerosis, as well as other aspects of MS. Other research interests include stroke and normal pressure hydrocephalus in older adults. She is also involved in a variety of other scholarly activities, including teaching theory development, research, data management, and education courses to graduate students in nursing; supervising the completion of 20-25 research studies conducted each year by graduate students; and serving on advisory boards and task forces to develop practice standards for MS nurses.

A frequent presenter and lecturer at major professional meetings in the United States and abroad, Dr. Fraser is the author of numerous studies in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Fraser receives grant or research support from Teva Neuroscience.

Martha C. Smith-Lightfoot, RNP
Co-editor of MS Scan
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Department of Neurology
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, New York

Ms. Lightfoot is an adult nurse practitioner in the University of Rochester Department of Neurology in Rochester, New York. She has served at the University of Rochester since 1990.

Ms. Lightfoot received her bachelor of science degrees in biology and in nursing from the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She subsequently received her master of science degree in nursing from the University of Rochester. She is certified as an adult care nurse practitioner and as an acute care nurse practitioner.

As a nurse practitioner specializing in neurological disorders, Ms. Lightfoot has participated as researcher in more than a dozen clinical trials, studying immunomodulatory therapeutics used by patients with MS. She is a well-known speaker on topics related to MS and has lectured extensively in the United States and abroad on MS disease management. The MS Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center is internationally recognized and Ms. Lightfoot has the opportunity to work with many leaders in the field. In addition, she has the support to participate in a various organizations in leadership roles. With a chronic illness like MS, there are multiple needs of the patient and family including assessment, education, and counseling regarding treatment, therapy, issues, and adjustment to the disease.

Ms. Lightfoot lectures widely and is a member of various professional organizations, including the International Society of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses, where she serves as a director; Sigma Theta Tau Nurses' Honor Society Epsilon Xi at the University of Rochester, where she served as secretary; the Finger Lakes Occupational Health Services, where she serves on the board of directors; and MS Scan, where she serves as editor-in-chief. She volunteers in the medical community, including her role as director on the board of HAPPE Inc., a program for HIV+ adults.

She has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award through the National MS Society. Ms. Lightfoot has practical experience in various medical specialties, including neurology, urology, intensive care, surgery, and transmissible diseases.

Ms. Lightfoot receives grant or research support from Teva Neuroscience.