Future Neuropsychologist Batya Zitron Named 2026 Valedictorian of Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences

Currently, Batya works at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine as a clinical interviewer in the neurology department, where she conducts neuropsychological evaluations for elderly participants, scores assessments, recruits and screens participants, and helps train new team members. She also serves as a research assistant at the Arts and Development Lab at Brooklyn College.

In 2025, Batya placed second at Research Day at Brooklyn College, and Batya also placed second out of 120 presenters—most from graduate, professional, and medical schools—earlier this month at Touro Research Day.

Batya plans to apply to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs this coming cycle as she works toward a future career in neuropsychology that combines research and patient care.

“My career goal is to become a neuropsychologist,” she said. “I’ve always been fascinated by science and particularly interested in understanding the brain and how it shapes our sense of self and the way we experience the world.”

‘Strong values and student-centered environment’

A Brooklyn native who recently relocated to New City, New York, Batya attended Prospect Park Yeshiva for high school before studying at Machon Raaya in Israel.

Batya's decision to attend Touro was inspired by the school’s atmosphere of intellectual inquiry, students’ ability to form close mentorships with faculty members, as well as family tradition: Both her mother and brother are Touro alumni, and her mother was a professor at Touro for several years.

“I chose Touro for its strong values and student-centered environment, one in which professors are genuinely invested in students’ success,” she said.

At LAS, Batya said, professors consistently encouraged intellectual curiosity and helped strengthen her growing interest in neuropsychology. Dr. Rebecca Soffer, deputy chair of the psychology department at LAS, is confident that Batya’s enthusiasm for learning will continue beyond graduation.

“Batya’s intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn from everyone set her apart,” Dr. Soffer said. “Beyond her strong academic achievements, she approaches life with thoughtfulness, humility, and genuine kindness. She is not only an outstanding psychology student, but also someone whose strong work ethic and beautiful middos will allow her to make a meaningful impact on those around her.” 

Creative path to neuropsychology

Alongside her scientific and clinical pursuits, Batya is also deeply involved in music. She studies musical composition through the American Composers Orchestra’s Compose Yourself! and Compose Yourself! Pro programs, and plays both piano and violin. Batya plans to continue developing her academic and creative pursuits, and she believes her creativity and the work ethic she’s cultivated through her musical training will be strong assets on her path to becoming a neuropsychologist.

“My hope is to combine my passion for science with the opportunity to work closely with people and make a positive impact in their lives,” she said.