Neuroscience

A smiling woman named Samantha Kost with white skin and long dark hair, wearing an interestingly patterned shirt.

Samantha Kost, PhD

Senior Associate, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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.

Neuroscience

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Frontotemporal Dementia Giving Smarter Guide
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Milken Institute Philanthropy’s neuroscientists are experts in their field, working alongside donors to navigate the research landscape. Together, with our partners, SPARC experts identify the areas where philanthropy can be the force that brings together diverse perspectives from across disciplines and sectors, unlocks the areas where progress has stalled, and strives for better diagnostics and treatments for conditions that affect the brain. 

Level
Practice Area
Pillars
Neuroscience
Team
Neuroscience
Leaders
ALS Breakthrough Research Fund Scientific Advisory Board
Children type
Programs
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, PhD

Managing Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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.
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, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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.
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, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Sylvie Raver is a senior director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic 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.
Smiling light-skinned female-presenting person with light hair wearing a black shirt against a nature-ish background

Emily Baxi, PhD

Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Emily Baxi, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. 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.
A smiling light-skinned, Asian-presenting man named Daniel Pham with short black hair, wearing a geometric black and white sweater, and smiling and standing with his arms crossed in a room with dark wood details.

Daniel Pham, PhD

Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Daniel Pham, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. 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.
A smiling dark-skinned man named Quinton Banks with short dark braided hair, wearing glasses and a navy blue patterned dress shirt, and standing in a room with dark wood details.

Quinton Banks, PhD

Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Quinton Banks,PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. His extensive scientific background includes research into chronic pain, taste perception, and muscle physiology.
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, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Veronica Beck is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. 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.
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