Samantha Sherrill, PhD, is a senior associate at the Milken Institute. As a member of the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), she analyzes biomedical research areas in partnership with philanthropists to fund innovative projects and ensure that investments make equitable, transformative impacts in science and health.

Tanisha London is a senior associate with the Milken Institute Philanthropy’s Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team. Her expertise in neuroscience research, grant management, and venture capital gives her a unique perspective on strategic funding that ensures innovative projects are both financially viable and empirically validated.

Cara Altimus, PhD is a managing director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute, leading the science and health innovation portfolio. A PhD neuroscientist, Altimus advises individual philanthropists and foundations on the state of research for various areas including neurodegenerative disease and mental health, identifying opportunities where their capital can make the biggest impact.

Aggie McMahon Stephens, MSc, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Philanthropy. With a background in clinical neuroscience, she specializes in science philanthropy, research sector development, and global collaborations that maximize the impact of investments in science.

Sylvie Raver is a senior director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Philanthropy. Raver applies her expertise in neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease, mental health, and biomedical research to identify opportunities for philanthropic investments that can have a transformative impact on medical research and health.

Emily Baxi, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute. A neuroscientist and educator, Baxi works with the pillar's SPARC team to advise foundations and philanthropists on the state of research so they are empowered to make impactful giving decisions. Aligning the needs of the research field with the passion and commitment of the philanthropist, she identifies opportunities to meaningfully advance biomedical research.

Daniel Pham, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute He utilizes his expertise in scientific research, neuroscience, science policy, communication, and advocacy to advise philanthropic partners on opportunities to make the biggest impact in various fields of science and health.

Quinton Banks is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Philanthropy. His extensive scientific background includes research into chronic pain, taste perception, and muscle physiology. Banks has training in both biological sciences and psychology, providing him with a unique perspective on the human impact of high net-worth giving.

Veronica Beck is a associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute. She uses her expertise to identify and implement innovative biomedical research ideas, partnering with philanthropists and key field leaders to ensure promising research projects receive the necessary support to become impactful therapies.