Huntington Medical Research Institutes Announces New Board Members

Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors: Sandra B. Sharp, PhD, Barbara Hunt, EdD, and Uma Shrivistava. Each brings unique work and volunteer experience that will complement the melting pot of talents on HMRI’s Board of Directors – and shares a common passion for HMRI’s mission of improving lives through biomedical research.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Barbra, Sandy and Uma to our Board of Directors,” says Julia Bradsher, President and CEO of HMRI. “Each of these women brings leadership and experience that are integral to our strategy: seeking opportunities to engage with our community, and funding the important work that’s happening here. Their time and talents will be invaluable as we continue to shape this world-class research institute.”

Barbara Hunt, EdD

Education has been a lifelong passion for Barbara Hunt. She spent three decades as an educator herself, first teaching toddlers in West LA and eventually serving as Human Biology instructor at Woodbury University, her 10-year tenure sprinkled with lengthy trips across the globe to teach biology at colleges and universities in Malawi and Ghana. She earned her EdD in 2015 and completed a bioinformatics class in 2019, where she learned to use genetic databases to research diseases like measles, HIV and various cancers. “I find HMRI’s research areas extremely important for a healthy society,” says Dr. Hunt. “I look forward to promoting HMRI in the local Pasadena area, and I hope my involvement and enthusiasm might inspire others to support medical science and research.”

Sandra B. Sharp, PhD

Wish a background rich in science and research, Sandy Sharp spent 27 years teaching biological sciences to students at Cal State LA. Today she is Professor Emerita, but even in retirement, her work continues, as she advances her molecular myogenesis research. Her career is peppered with impressive awards and achievements, including the NSF Career Advancement Award for Women in Science and Engineering and the Distinguished Women Award at Cal State LA. “I feel privileged and honored to be associated as a board member with HMRI,” says Dr. Sharp. “For me, it’s a no-brainer. HMRI’s ground-breaking research impacts the lives of patients, and its contribution to the professional pipeline affords opportunities for biomedical scientists from diverse backgrounds and at all career stages. I look forward to using the experience I’ve accumulated in research and education to help keep HMRI strong and to solidify its role in the greater Pasadena community.”

Uma Shrivistava

Uma Shrivistava has an entrepreneurial spirit coupled with extensive nonprofit board experience. Her 26 years as a small-business owner of an educational toys and books store overlapped with 20 years of executive roles in banking and finance for Bank of America. Somehow she found time to serve on several boards as well, most recently as president and board member for Women at Work in Pasadena. “I am excited about joining HMRI’s Board of Directors,” says Ms. Shrivistava. “Their scientists are world renowned, and the research they are driving is game-changing. I hope my experience will be helpful in guiding HMRI on their path to greater community engagement and nonprofit fundraising goals.”

Dr. Hunt, Dr. Sharp and Ms. Shrivistava will join 22 other members on HMRI’s Board of Directors. All give generously of their time, talents and finances, and each brings a unique skillset that is integral to the institutes’ growth and success. Board members chair and serve on nine different committees, host events and spearhead fundraising efforts. “We are grateful to have the steadfast, hands-on support of our Board of Directors,” says Bradsher. “These volunteers share our passion and commitment to exploring new and uncharted means of diagnosing and treating disease. Each is a true champion of the cause: improving lives through scientific research.”