Eva Sapi

Eva Sapi, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Biology and Environmental Science Department at the University of New Haven, where she leads the Lyme Disease Research Program. She earned her Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary (1995), following an M.S. from the same institution (1987).

• Research Focus: Lyme disease pathogenesis, Borrelia biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and natural treatment alternatives (e.g., stevia extract).
• Notable Discoveries: First to identify Borrelia biofilm in human-infected tissues; demonstrated stevia’s superior biofilm reduction over antibiotics in vitro.

Her work spans biofilm microbiology, infectious disease, neurodegenerative links, and natural therapeutics. Articles highlight her exploration of Borrelia’s persistence, co-infections, and temperature-dependent biofilm dynamics.

Scientific Awards:

• 2018 Research Trailblazer, LymeDisease.org
• Courage Award, Lyme Connection of Ridgefield

Dr. Sapi has trained over 100 graduate students and organized six annual Lyme Disease Symposiums attracting 200+ participants. Her research is frequently cited in popular media (CNN, The Washington Post, BBC) and peer-reviewed journals (PLoS ONE, Healthcare, Antibiotics).