Press Releases

Global Lyme Alliance Names Dr. Armin Alaedini as Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Armin Alaedini will join Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) on October 1, 2024. Dr. Cara DeAngelis will be promoted to Director of Research. Dr. Timothy Sellati transitions out of his role as CSO on August 29, 2024.  

NEW YORK, NY August 29, 2024 – Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Armin Alaedini has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective October 1, 2024. Dr. Alaedini, an internationally recognized expert in Lyme disease research, brings over 20 years of experience to GLA. His extensive experience as a principal investigator and senior manager in academia and industry, along with his leadership in large research teams, operational budget management, research strategy development, clinical trial contributions, and mentorship of young scientists, inspires confidence in his ability to lead GLA's research initiatives. Dr. Alaedini's leadership will continue to propel GLA's research forward as we strive to advance scientific initiatives to combat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Dr. Alaedini succeeds Dr. Timothy Sellati, who will transition to his new role as Senior Director of North America Scientific Affairs at DiaSorin, an international diagnostics company, effective August 29, 2024. Dr. Sellati has played a pivotal role at GLA over the past seven years, spearheading groundbreaking research that has significantly enhanced our understanding of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. His numerous contributions, including championing a Danish population study with Columbia University, which definitively linked Lyme disease to depression, and leading innovative R&D efforts to develop cutting-edge diagnostic tests and treatments for Lyme disease, are deeply appreciated. Notably, Dr. Sellati also secured critical funding for Pedi Lyme Net, a pioneering Pediatric Lyme biobank at Boston Children's Hospital, and laid out GLA's strategic vision for the next three years through a comprehensive Research Strategic Plan.  

"Dr. Sellati's leadership has been invaluable to GLA and the Lyme disease community," said Laura MacNeill, CEO of Global Lyme Alliance. "His tireless efforts have advanced our mission and established a strong foundation for future breakthroughs. We wish him tremendous success in his new endeavor."  

The entire GLA community is deeply grateful for Dr. Sellati's outstanding contributions. We wish him continued success and are excited to build upon his achievements under Dr. Alaedini's new leadership. We remain committed to advancing our research efforts and are confident in the bright future ahead.  

In addition, GLA is thrilled to announce the promotion of Dr. Cara DeAngelis to Director of Research. Since joining GLA in January 2022, Dr. DeAngelis has been instrumental in overseeing GLA's grants program, coordinating our annual Research Symposium, and playing a critical role in shaping our new three-year Research Strategic Plan. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and continued leadership Dr. DeAngelis will bring to this expanded role.  

About Global Lyme Alliance  

Global Lyme Alliance's mission is to cure Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through innovative research, awareness, and by empowering the patient voice. GLA has gained national prominence for funding some of the most urgent and promising research in the field, having awarded over $19 million to date through its research programs.  

GLA supports patients at every stage of their journey, from helping them find Lyme-literate physicians to connecting them with peer mentors and providing a wealth of information on its website. GLA also empowers volunteers through its ambassador program to raise awareness, create fundraising events, and advance GLA's mission. Learn more at GLA.org or follow us on social media.