Caitlyn Barrett | Director, Rare Disease and Oncology
Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Caitlyn Barrett, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Her scientific expertise in cancer biology and neurodegeneration in addition to her experience in grant and program management, stakeholder engagement, and program analysis are brought to bear as she partners with philanthropists to maximize their impact on the biomedical ecosystem. Prior to joining the Institute, Caitlyn was the Senior Director of Research and Programs at CureSearch for Children’s Cancer where she administered CureSearch’s pediatric cancer research grant portfolio and served as a liaison between academic pediatric cancer researchers and key stakeholders including donors, advocates, and strategic partners. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer, a collaborative network of nonprofits, corporations, and individuals supporting and serving the childhood cancer community. Caitlyn received a PhD in Cancer Biology from Vanderbilt University and completed post-doctoral research training in the Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Disease at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Barrett then worked as a Program Manager in the Office of Cancer Genomics at the National Cancer Institute.