Nadia Sarfraz, PhD, is a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.

Ishtiaq Mawla is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team at the Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.

Tom Jurkiw, PhD, is an associate director of grants management on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. In this role, Jurkiw advances cutting-edge biomedical research by strategically managing grants that drive innovation in the biomedical sciences.

Samantha Kost, PhD, is a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. 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.

Taylor Evans, PhD, is a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Her expertise lies in biomedical research, molecular genetics, rare diseases, and computational biology tools.

Cara Altimus, PhD is a managing director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, 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.

Kelsey Barcomb, PhD, is a program manager for BD² and a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team of Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Barcomb received her doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and completed postdoctoral training in the field of neuroscience.

Aggie McMahon Stephens, MSc, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic 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.

Kara Whelply is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. She leverages her expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, philanthropic funding, and therapeutic development to advise individual philanthropists and nonprofit organizations on methods to advance their mission and accelerate the development of treatments.