Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Larry Borish

Dr. Larry Borish is a Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Microbiology at the University of Virginia, with an appointment in the Carter Immunology Center.

His research, funded by the NIH, focuses on mechanisms of rhinovirus (RV)-mediated asthma exacerbations, particularly the role of innate immunity and epigenetic changes in the airway’s epithelial lining. He also investigates immune and molecular mechanisms of cytokine genes and cysteinyl leukotrienes in airway inflammation, including aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). His work has advanced the understanding and treatment of severe asthma, chronic sinusitis, AERD, and primary immune deficiencies. Dr. Borish earned his B.A., cum laude, in Music from Harvard College and his M.D. from Boston University. He completed an internal medicine residency at Harvard and allergy/immunology training at New England Medical Center. His career includes faculty roles at Tufts, the University of Colorado, and the National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

Dr. Tanya Laidlaw

Dr. Tanya M. Laidlaw is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Translational Research in Allergy and the AERD Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, completed her pediatrics residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, and pursued an Allergy/Immunology fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Laidlaw’s research focuses on the pathogenesis of asthma and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), particularly the pro-inflammatory role of platelets and specific lipids. She leads a team that follows over 1,400 patients with AERD and nasal polyps, conducting ongoing studies to explore disease mechanisms and develop new treatments. With a career dedicated to advancing care for patients with AERD, nasal polyposis, and aspirin/NSAID allergies, Dr. Laidlaw continues to contribute to understanding and treating these complex conditions through clinical care, research, and education.

Dr. Michael R. Nelson

Dr. Michael R. Nelson is the Division Chief of Asthma, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology at the University of Virginia, a role he has held since November 2020.

He returned to UVA after a 25-year career in the U.S. Army, where he served in leadership roles including Director of Army Graduate Medical Education, Chief Consultant to the U.S. Army Surgeon General, and Director of Education and Research at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Following his military service, he was Chair of the Allergy and Immunology Division at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. Dr. Nelson also serves as President and CEO of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and has contributed to national organizations such as the FDA and AMA. Dr. Nelson earned his MD and PhD from UVA and completed advanced training in allergy-immunology at Walter Reed. He is dedicated to advancing patient care and education.

Dr. Stephen Tiles

Dr. Stephen Tilles is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and currently serves as Research and Strategic Innovation Advisor for FARE and Medical Director Consultant to Stallergenes Greer, Inc.

. His previous roles include Head of Global Medical Affairs, Allergy at Aimmune Therapeutics, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and Director of the Allergy and Asthma Clinic at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). He has also served on the Joint Task Force for Practice Parameters and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Tilles was a partner at the Northwest Asthma and Allergy Clinic in Seattle and Executive Director of ASTHMA Inc., where he led over 140 clinical trials on treatments for asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. He holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard College, a medical degree from UC San Diego, and completed his residency at OHSU and fellowship at the National Jewish Center.