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

Ishtiaq Mawla, PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute.

Tom Jurkiw, PhD, is an associate director of grants management at the Milken Institute, where he supports the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration.

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.

Taylor Evans, PhD, is a senior associate at the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC). Her expertise lies in biomedical research, molecular genetics, rare diseases, and computational biology tools. At the Institute, she analyzes the biomedical research landscape to develop and support philanthropically funded projects across science and health disciplines

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.

Kelsey Barcomb, PhD, is a program manager for BD² and a senior associate of Milken Institute Philanthropy. Barcomb received her doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and completed postdoctoral training in the field of neuroscience. She uses her background in biomedical research and project management to oversee grants management and community building within BD².

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.