Board Of Directors
Prince Jeyabal, PhD
President
Dr. Prince Jeyabal is a research investigator from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He has had a stellar academic career with an unwavering commitment to basic investigation. His accomplishments in translational research laid him a strong foundation in innovative molecular cell signaling techniques and he has made great strides in this field. He has also addressed important issues in cardiac inflammation and repair. Furthermore, he has conducted research on the mechanistic role of microRNAs as a potential biomarker and their therapeutic implication in cardiomyopathy. He obtained his Biochemistry PhD from the University of Madras in India. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed scientific publications, editorials, and book chapters.
Dr. Prince Jeyabal’s insight in molecular cell signaling techniques is an additional strength for our Lyme and tick-borne diseases research collaboration with several top universities. In addition to offering his insights in molecular biology, he is also serving as a core project coordinator.
Christopher Tiller
Treasurer
An IT Professional, he is married to Pamila Samuel with two sons.
Using his vacation days, he has travelled to Third world countries like Rwanda, Liberia in war torn Africa helping post-war disadvantaged children with their educational needs and setting up computer learning labs with local leaders.
He is our new treasurer and is helping our foundation, keeping the foundation as a good standing one, answering queries from the IRS & the state government.
Dr. John Chan, PhD
Board of Director
Dr. John Chan is the CEO of the Apelin Project, a company that aims to address critically unmet needs in healthcare. Prior to founding the Apelin Project, he was the founder and CEO of Aspira Scientific, which commercializes cutting-edge life science and chemistry technologies. Previously, he was the global marketing manager of the chemistry franchise for Sigma-Aldrich and achieved record-performance innovations . Dr. Chan spent 15 years in technology and commercial development. During this time, he worked on category-defining technologies including two projects that won Nobel prizes . He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Economics from Duke University, graduating with distinction, summa cum laude. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Stanford University. His professional and personal passion is to create a healthier and sustainable future .
On a personal level, he has met with patients who have Lyme disease. He understands how terrible the disease is and lends full support to the foundation seeking to bring greater impact for Lyme patients and families.
Maria Johnson Irudayam, PhD
Board of Directors
Dr. Maria Johnson Irudayam is a research scientist in molecular biology with a multidisciplinary background. His past and present areas of research and expertise include macromolecular interactions, biochemistry and biochemical analysis, experimental hematology, basics of immunology, cancer genetics, cell signaling pathways, molecular genetics, mouse genetics, and neurobiology. Dr. Irudayam’s contributions have been published in esteemed journals such as Molecular Therapy, Diabetes, and PLOS Genetics. He obtained his education at premier institutions and universities in southern India. He received his Bachelor of Science at The American College, Madurai, Master of Science at St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, and PhD in the Department of Genetics at the University of Madras. He has given scientific talks and seminars, been a reviewer for peer-reviewed international journals, published research articles, contributed to book chapters. Currently, Dr. Irudayam has been working at the University of Tennessee on the bioenergetics of activin genes-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts in order to determine the role activin genes play in adiposity and metabolism.
Dr. Maria Johnson Irudayam’s understanding in molecular biology is a added strength for our research team. He is also a blog writer on Lyme and tick-borne diseases.