Faculty & Administration
Dr. Nora Lowy
Executive Director, Physician Assistant Program
Dr. Nora Lowy is the Executive Director of the Wagner College PA Program and has been involved in the education of health care professionals for almost 30 years. She was the founding director of two PA Programs, developed several clinical certificate programs, guided the growth of the Wagner program from the bachelor’s to the master’s degree, and spearheaded the early introduction of learning innovations, such as simulated learning, immersion learning, early clinical exposure, problem-based learning, and health related medical and social research. She has taught foundational medical science courses, clinical medicine science courses, as well as research courses, guiding students through the development and implementation of research projects that culminate in the dissemination of findings at research forums.
Dr. Lowy earned her PhD in Health Sciences from Seton Hall University, an MPA from Long Island University, and a Bachelor in Education from Yeshiva University. She is a certified physician assistant with the National Commission on Certification of PAs, (NCCPA), and is licensed to practice in the State of New York.
Telephone: 718-420-4552
Email: nora.lowy@wagner.edu
Michael Rota
Assistant Director & Assessment Coordinator
Dr. Rota is the Assistant Director & Assessment Coordinator for the Wagner College PA Program. An alumnus of the program, he also obtained his Doctorate in Health Sciences (DHS) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2019. He has taught a variety of courses including Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics I and II, Mental Health & Wellness, and Technical Skills. Dr. Rota’s research interests include active learning, gamified learning theory, early-clinical exposure, simulation learning, and competency-based medical education. He has presented on these topics at local, national, and international conferences. He currently serves as a content expert and item writer for the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Dr. Rota has participated in the design and evaluation of PA curriculums and is experienced with the PA accreditation process.
Telephone: 718-420-4372
Email: m.rota@wagner.edu
David Lau
Academic Director
David Lau is a proud graduate of the Harlem Hospital Physician Assistant Program in 1990 which is now called CUNY School of Medicine, The City College of New York - Physician Assistant Program. He received his MS from Touro University. He is a Distinguished Fellow of American Academy of Physician Assistants (DFAAPA). He works full-time as Academic Director in Wagner College Physician Assistant Program. He loves to teach physician assistant students, especially in board preparation. His favorite courses are electrocardiography, procedural skills, and emergency medicine. He works per-diem as a clinical practicing PA in the emergency department at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. David Lau is an active BCLS, ACLS and PALS instructors. He volunteers with the New York Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene – Medical Reserve Corps as medical personnel during the New York City Marathon. Furthermore, he participates with American Heart Association in which he teaches community CPR.
Telephone: 718-420-4160
Email: david.lau@wagner.edu
Sidney Obas
Academic Coordinator
Dr. Sidney A. Obas has joined the Wagner College PA Program as a full-time academic coordinator. He recently held the position of full time clinical coordinator at Wagner College less than 2 years ago and has now returned. Dr. Obas also previously served as academic coordinator at the Fairleigh Dickinson University PA Program and the University of Bridgeport PA Programs.
Over the past several years, Dr. Obas has been developing his skills in the clinical setting, specifically critical care physician assistant (PA) training prior to transitioning to academia. He was the chief PA in critical care at South Nassau Communities Hospital and was able to create a training program that allowed the hospital to employ new graduate physician assistants. He was responsible for PA training, developing a program curriculum and work schedules as well as an employee performance evaluation format for critical care physician assistants.
Dr. Obas is a graduate of Touro College Physician Assistant Program. He received his MBA from LSU at Shreveport and his doctoral degree from the University of Lynchburg. He is a board-certified physician assistant, who specializes in Pulmonary, and critical care and is certified in Sleep Medicine. Other certifications consist of ATLS, FCCS, RPsgT, and NIH stroke. His clinical experience includes Critical Care Medicine, Hematology, Oncology, Pulmonology, Neurology, Cardiology, and Emergency medicine.
Telephone: 718-420-4153
Email: sidney.obas@wagner.edu
Tara Igneri
Research & Simulation Learning Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program
I am a proud Wagner alum and have been practicing Emergency Medicine since 2006. I am also actively involved in the leadership team for the SIUH Emergency Medicine Post Graduate PA Fellowship. I enjoy teaching Pathophysiology, Critical Thinking, and Patient Interview and Procedure labs at Wagner. In my free time my husband and I enjoy being kept on our toes by the boundless energy of our 6yr old Joseph, 4yr old Mia, and 7mth old Matthew.
Telephone: 718-420-4557
Email: tara.igneri@wagner.edu
Ann Ayers
Assistant to PA Director & Coordinator of Global Outreach, Physician Assistant Program
Ann Ayers has been employed at Wagner College since 2001. She began at the Registrar's Office and transferred to the PA Department in 2016. Her major role is assistant to the PA Director and Coordinator of Global Outreach, which involves the student's EYH trips abroad. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wagner College in 2013.
Telephone: 718-420-4142
Email: aayers@wagner.edu
Zena M. Gonzalez
Coordinator of Clinical Placement & Simulation Lab, Physician Assistant Program
Zena M. Gonzalez is a NYC and Puerto Rico native who studied education at InterAmerican University.
Before coming to Wagner, Zena kept offices, campaigns and operations in top running order across multiple industries for over a decade. As a senior consultant for a London-based real estate firm, she managed and closed over 800 deals nationwide and globally. Working with a global marketing & client services firm, she ran communications operations to audiences in the tens of thousands. She is thrilled to now bring her previous experience in office administration and coordination as well as her organizational and interpersonal skills to the Physician Assistant department to help prepare future clinicians for rewarding and meaningful careers in healthcare.
Outside of the office, you can find Zena creating art, graphic design, viewing immersive art exhibits, exploring the many museums in the city and puppy sitting her favorite dogs.