The Ellison Medical Foundation | Fostering creativity in biomedical research

Foundation Staff

Executive Director — Richard Sprott, Ph.D.

Richard Sprott began his undergraduate studies at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He completed them at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a B.A. with honors in Psychology. After receiving his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Behavior Genetics) at U.N.C. he went on to a post-doctoral fellowship in Behavior Genetics at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. Following two years of teaching at Oakland University, Dr. Sprott returned to The Jackson Laboratory where he conducted a research program on single gene influences on behavior and the interaction of aging variables with those genes.

After a decade in Maine, Dr. Sprott moved to the National Institute on Aging where he directed the Institute's programs on the Biology of Aging. Dr. Sprott left the National Institute on Aging in 1998 to become the first Executive Director of The Ellison Medical Foundation, created to support basic biological and biomedical research on aging.

A major focus of his career has been the development of animal models for aging research. He developed a nationwide research program of research on biomarkers of aging and the effects of dietary restriction on longevity. He is the author of a large number of books and articles. He is an internationally recognized expert on animal model development and plays an active role in model development in countries around the world. He is the Past President of the International Biogerontological Resource Institute (IBRI) in Friuli, Italy.

(Contact Dr. Sprott)

Deputy Executive Director — Kevin Lee, Ph.D.

Dr. Lee brings over 20 years of research experience in molecular genetics and neurobiology in biotechnology and academic research settings to his position as Deputy Executive Director. Prior to joining EMF, Dr. Lee served as Executive Vice President-Research of Sentigen Biosciences. He was responsible for the start-up and development of this New York City-based biotechnology company leading to its acquisition by Invitrogen Corporation. Before Sentigen, he worked with Dr. Thomas Jessell in the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior at Columbia University, where he studied the specification, axonal projection, and functional connectivity of sensory interneurons in the spinal cord. He is a member of the Scientific Review Board for the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative in New York

(Contact Dr. Lee)

Office Administrator — Lisa Glazier

Ms. Glazier is responsible for many administrative and financial management functions within the Foundation, and interacts closely with awardee institutions.

(Contact Ms. Glazier)

Budget Analyst — Margaret Sprott

Ms. Sprott is a registered nurse with background experience in computer financial management. She handles all financial record keeping, budget reports, and payouts in the Maryland office.

(Contact Mrs. Sprott)