The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is excited to announce that Dr. Nadia Sethi has joined our team in the role of Director of Community Outreach and Engagement. In this new role, Nadia will connect with the ALS community to discuss current research, guide scientific content to be shared with the public, and help to communicate the science of ALS TDI.
Connection to ALS
Since her husband Sundeep experienced his first symptom of ALS in 2019, Nadia has been engaging with the ALS community. A dentist by training, Nadia already had a firm background in science and healthcare prior to her husband’s diagnosis. Her background, combined with her drive to better understand ALS, led to her becoming actively involved in the ALS community, diligently seeking information on ALS clinical trials and connecting with others who were experiencing similar struggles.
“Being able to share information about research with this community while we fought this disease made me feel like I was getting back at ALS. It still does. I will continue to share the science of ALS because I believe the science will ultimately lead us to answers.”
Nadia lost Sundeep to ALS in 2020, but she has continued to be extremely active in following the latest research and science news. In addition to her involvement with multiple ALS research and advocacy groups, she moderates the ALS Clinical Trials and Research Facebook group where she regularly shares findings to help inform others about the science of ALS and the clinical research landscape.
Role at ALS TDI
In her role as Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, Nadia will facilitate open conversations around current research and serve as a resource to the ALS community. One way that she plans to do this is by hosting a regular ALS Research Discussion where she will engage in open conversations with the community about current ALS research – this includes providing an overview of research at ALS TDI, as well as giving updates on current clinical trials and covering community driven topics.
Nadia will continue to use social media to share updates on ALS research and will maintain the current ALS TDI clinical trials database – ensuring that it is able to provide community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
“Having lived through ALS so recently I understand the dire need for effective treatments and the urgency for scientific advancement. I look forward to listening to the community and sharing the science of ALS TDI, and am proud to be a part of ALS TDI’s commitment to find desperately needed treatments for ALS.”
Education and Background
Nadia holds a BS in Biochemistry and Art History and a DDS from UCLA. She is a dentist by training with almost ten years of clinical practice experience. Currently she is pursuing a MS in Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine at the University of Florida. The motto she shared with her husband from the time of his diagnosis was “Not today ALS” as they battled the disease together for almost two years, and she continues to live by these words in her efforts to make positive changes for those affected by ALS.
