Ishtiaq Mawla, PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. He applies his background in translational research, business consulting, and stakeholder management to support philanthropists, families, and foundations in the SPARC Rare Disease and Oncology portfolios. Mawla received his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and PhD from the University of Michigan. He is based at the Institute's Washington, DC, office.