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Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) works to develop, launch, and lead initiatives that propel scientific and medical research. We target investments that accelerate the development of tools and treatments, bringing better health to millions of people.

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Decorative
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Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Our Work

We are scientists, with a deep understanding of research ecosystems, the importance of good science to advancing human health, and how to apply the philanthropic mechanisms that will lead to long-term change.

Immunology

Working in lock step with high-impact funders to develop giving strategies that support researchers who study immunological diseases, and the patients and families who live with these conditions.

Mental Health

Bringing together a philanthropic community to invest in transformative research to better understand, treat, and cure mental health conditions.

Neuroscience

Funding models for research to understand brain function and unlock paths to better diagnostics and treatments.

Oncology

Leading donors through the cancer research ecosystem, engaging experts from other sectors to design investments that will lead to cures for a range of cancers.

Rare Disease

Guiding research and clinical strategies in disease areas with few patients and low incentives for private investment, and engaging patients throughout the process.

Science Philanthropy Ecosystem

Providing cross-cutting guidance to philanthropic funders to create impact across the science and health research ecosystem.

Biomedical Philanthropy

Our scientists and philanthropy advisors guide high-impact funders through complex research systems and recommend investments that accelerate the path to a healthy world.

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)
Most Recent Content

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Our Team

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A smiling light-skinned female named Cara Altimus with shoulder length dark brown hair wearing a vibrant blue shirt and red necklace, standing with her arms crossed against an ambiguous outdoor background.

Cara Altimus

Managing Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Smiling darker-skinned, male-presenting person wearing a floral button up

Quinton Banks

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling light-skinned, brunette, female-presenting individual named Kelsey Barcomb wearing a blue blazer and a black shirt against a blurred outdoor background.

Kelsey Barcomb

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Light-skinned female-presenting person named Caitlyn Barrett with light hair in a yellow jacket and black shirt with gray gradient background

Caitlyn Barrett

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Smiling light-skinned female-presenting person with light hair wearing a black shirt against a blurred background

Emily Baxi

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling female-presenting person named Veronica Beck with shoulder-length brown hair and white skin against a blurred background, wearing a black shirt.

Veronica Beck

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Smiling female-presenting person of color with dark hair named Ishita Das wearing a red shirt and a blue blazer against an ambiguous outdoor background.

Ishita Das

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An woman named Taylor Evans white skin, bobbed auburn hair and glasses. She is wearing a red blazer with a black shirt and standing outside.

Taylor Evans

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of an adult man named Tom Jurkiw. He has white skin, short brown hair, and a brunette beard. He is wearing glasses, a black blazer, a blue sweater underneath, and a tie, and smiling at the camera with an ambiguous outdoor background.

Tom Jurkiw

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling Black female named Tanisha London with long black hair wearing a red jacket over a black shirt.

Tanisha London

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of a brown skinned, smiling, adult man named Ishtiaq Mawla with his arms crossed. He has short dark hair and is wearing glasses and a dark blue striped suit.

Ishtiaq Mawla

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of a female-presenting person named Nadia Penrod. She has medium length brown hair and white skin. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a black jacket with a tan sweater.

Nadia Penrod

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling male-presenting individual of Asian heritage with dark hair wearing a green, floral-print jacket and tie against an outdoor background

Daniel Pham

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of a woman with white skin and shoulder-length blonde hair named Sylvie Raver. She has a white suit jacket and a black shirt and she is smiling at the camera.

Sylvie Raver

Senior Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Smiling light-skinned, female-presenting individual with long dark hair wearing a dark shirt on a bkue backdrop.

Erin Ross

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of an adult woman named Nadia Sarfraz. She has tan white skin, long brown hair, and she is wearing glasses and a black jacket and smiling at the camera.

Nadia Sarfraz

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling woman named Samantha Kost with white skin and long dark hair, wearing an interestingly patterned shirt.

Samantha Kost

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling light-skinned female-presenting person named Agnes Stephens with light brown hair wearing a pink and black patterned shirt against an outdoor background.

Agnes Stephens

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling caucasian female-presenting person with brown hair wearing a white shirt against a green foliage background

Kara Whelply

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Leaders

SPARC Philanthropy Leadership Collective

Convening philanthropists looking to fund health and medical research, and deepen the impact of their investments.

Partner with Us

Leverage our strategic advisory service, scientific experts, and the breadth of the Milken Institute network to ensure your philanthropic resources advance medical solutions.