Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

An image of a woman named Lillian Parr. She is standing against a green outdoor background and smiling at the camera. She has light white skin, shoulder-length brunette hair, and is wearing a black blazer over a black shirt.

Lillian Parr

Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Lillian Parr is an associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, where she supports the neuroscience and mental health programmatic areas.
An image of a female-presenting person named Hermela Assefa. This person has light brown skin and dark brown curly hair that is smooth on the top and curly on the bottom. This person is wearing black framed glasses and a striped black and white blazer over a black shirt while smiling at the camera against a white background.

Hermela Assefa

Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Hermela Assefa is an associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.
An image of a woman named Samantha Shumm. She is standing against a blurred gray background and smiling at the camera. She has light white skin, shoulder-length straight brownish blonde hair, and blue eyes. She is wearing a light blue cardigan over a black shirt.

Samantha Schumm

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Samantha Schumm, PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.
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
Nadia Sarfraz, PhD, is a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.
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Ishtiaq Mawla

Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, 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.
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, PhD

Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, 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.
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.
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, PhD

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

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

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SPARC Philanthropy Portfolio
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Health Equity in Science: A Giving Smarter Guide
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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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Portfolio
Pillars
Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)
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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.

Team
Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)
Leaders
ALS Breakthrough Research Fund Scientific Advisory Board
Ann Theodore Foundation Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative Scientific Advisory Board
Kissick Family Foundation Frontotemporal Dementia Science Advisory Board
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