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About us

Our initiative is dedicated to empowering you, the faculty researchers of the Department of Medicine, in your pursuit of impactful scientific discovery. With our robust resources and programs—Front Door, Strategic Science Accelerator, and Research Navigator—we are here to support you at every step of your research journey. Whether you seek mentorship, collaboration, funding opportunities, or navigational tools, we invite you to explore how Big Ideas can help transform your innovative concepts into measurable advancements in healthcare. 

“Big Ideas in Medicine will supercharge visionary science and innovation across disciplines, faculty lines, and career stages”
Euan A. Ashley
Chair, Department of Medicine
Euan Ashley

Our Team

  • Victoria Parikh, MD

    Victoria Parikh, MD

    Vice Chair of Strategy and Innovation


    Dr. Parikh is an associate professor of medicine with a clinical and translational research focus on cardiovascular genetics and precision medicine. In her role as Vice Chair for Strategy and Innovation, she is thrilled to support and elevate our talented faculty and their one-of-a-kind science. In addition to her leadership role in the Big Ideas in Medicine initiative, she runs a basic-translational research lab, directs the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, and spearheads broad Department of Medicine initiatives to promote and implement precision health at Stanford Medicine.

  • Liz Seckel, MA

    Liz Seckel, MA

    Director of Research Development


    Liz is a distinguished research development leader with over 15 years of experience building and scaling high impact programs, and has received several awards and distinctions both for her scientific work as well as her commitment to philanthropy. She most recently served as Director of Strategic Research Development for Stanford’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. In this and her prior roles, Liz has become widely recognized for developing targeted initiatives that drive funding success. As Director of Research Development for the Department of Medicine, she enjoys helping faculty turn their aspirations into funded programs.

  • Andreia Gonçalves, PhD

    Andreia Gonçalves, PhD

    Research Development Strategist


    Andreia is an experienced research development and R&D strategy professional with over 15 years of advancing translational science across academia and industry. She brings deep expertise in grant strategy, scientific writing, and cross-functional program leadership, with a strong track record of securing competitive funding and building impactful collaborations. With a foundation as a senior scientist and postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Goncalves combines scientific rigor with strategic insight to accelerate research and therapeutic development.

  • Rebecca Geraldi

    Rebecca Geraldi

    Programs Manager


    Rebecca works in the DoM Chair’s office and provides program management for both Big Ideas in Medicine and the Office of Faculty Development. Rebecca brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to overseeing planning, implementation, and outreach while shaping messaging, materials, and engagement strategies. Rebecca’s experience spans nonprofit, high-tech, finance, and academic environments, and she is recognized for her strong communication skills, creative content development, and collaborative spirit. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing communications.

  • Kristin Smith

    Kristin Smith

    Pre and Post Award Research Administrator


    Kristin brings years of experience in pre-award grants administration. She is the administrative contact throughout the proposal process, building timelines and checklists to keep the proposal process on track, and ensuring documents are compliant with sponsor requirements. Kristin works closely with the PI, Research Process Manager, Grants and Contracts Officer, and the team to keep everyone focused on timely progress. She has successfully submitted large, complex, programmatic grants to a variety of sponsors and enjoys being involved in collaborative and meaningful projects.

Advisory Board

  • Christina Curtis

    Christina Curtis


  • Eleni Linos

    Eleni Linos


  • Fatima Rodriguez

    Fatima Rodriguez


  • PJ Utz

    PJ Utz


  • Joy Wu

    Joy Wu