The Rising Tide of Native and Invasive Ticks and Tick-borne Illnesses and Ensuing Public Health Challenges

Darien Library welcomes Dr. Goudarz Molaei, medical entomologist and director of the Tick and Tick-borne Disease Surveillance Program, as he walks us through the recent changes in tick and tick-borne disease dynamics in Connecticut. 

His work has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Science Discoveries by Discover Magazine.

What You Will Learn

In this presentation, Dr. Goudarz Molaei will discuss: 

• Expanding ranges of native and invasive ticks of human and veterinary health concerns
• Tick life cycle and disease risk
• Why ticks are so efficient in pathogen transmission
• Diversity of tick-borne diseases
• Recent pathogens and tick-borne diseases
• The six important tick species and associated diseases
• Our response to challenges: Active and passive tick and tick-borne surveillance programs at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
• Historic data on tick infection
• Personal protection against tick bites

Join us to gain valuable insights into the growing challenges posed by native and invasive ticks, and learn how to protect yourself and your community from tick-borne illnesses in this important discussion on public health. 

About the Presenter

Dr. Goudarz Molaei is a research scientist—medical entomologist, director of the Tick and Tick-borne Disease Surveillance Program, and former head of the Department of Entomology at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). 

He is also an associate professor adjunct at the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health; a member of the leadership team at the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2016; a leadership team member at the Northeast Regional Center for Training and Evaluation in Vector-borne Diseases, established by CDC in 2023; and the lead for vector-borne diseases subcommittee for the Connecticut Governor’s Council on Climate Change-Public Health and Safety Working Group; an editorial board member for the Journal of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases; and a member of the Multi-State Research Project NE-1443: Biology, Ecology, and Management of Emerging Disease Vectors. 

Dr. Molaei’s research focus is on the ecology and biology of mosquitoes and ticks and their respective roles in the enzootic and epidemic transmission of vector-borne diseases at the CAES Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases. He has published numerous articles in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Emerging Infectious Diseases, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, and Journal of Infectious Diseases. His research findings have been reported by CNN, the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal, and many other news agencies, and recognized as one of the Top 100 Science Discoveries by Discover Magazine.

About Director of Health | Public Health Leader | Environmental Health Specialist

Mindy Chambrelli, MPH, RS, REHS is a dedicated public health professional with over 20 years of experience (almost 12 years in Darien) promoting health, safety, and environmental protection at the local level. Appointed Director of Health for the Town of Darien in July 2024, she leads a multi-service public health department focused on disease prevention, regulatory enforcement, emergency preparedness, and health promotion to ensure a safe and thriving community.

Throughout their career, Mindy has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service, with a strong track record of managing environmental health programs, responding to public health emergencies, and driving data-informed initiatives. Her leadership was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to shape the department's approach to monitoring disease trends, supporting wellness programs, and enforcing local, state, and federal regulations.

A Master of Public Health graduate and a national Registered Environmental Health Specialist, Mindy has earned numerous awards and honors, including the Connecticut Sanitarian of the Year and multiple recognitions from the National and Connecticut Environmental Health Associations. Their work reflects a passion for collaborative problem-solving, continuous improvement, and community-focused public health leadership.