CloseMeet The Staff
The dedicated team at Diabetes Research Connection
Christine Rhoads 
Executive Director
Christine Rhoads
Executive Director
Christine joins DRC with over 20 years of non-profit development experience, including 13 years in the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research field. “The tremendous progress I’ve seen over the last decade in advancing T1D cures and improving T1D management inspires and motivates me. I’m delighted to join this dedicated team of caring people who work tirelessly to advance breakthroughs and solve new pieces of the complex diabetes puzzle. I have hope of seeing T1D eradicated in my lifetime and will join you in celebrating when that vision is realized!”
Lauren grove
Research Grant Coordinator
Lauren Grove
Interim Research Grant Coordinator
Lauren was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the age of six and has been a strong advocate for diabetic research, volunteering as a T1D Youth Ambassador and participating in outreach programs to educate others on T1D. She has worked as a marketing consultant for several non-profits, specializing in children’s health, workplace justice, and medical research. Lauren graduated from Stanford University in 2023, where she developed a program to help first responders identify disabilities, ensuring safer interactions for individuals with impairments, and has since worked in law firms defending clients with disabilities. Lauren will attend Stanford Law School in 2025, where she hopes to continue her T1D advocacy.
kaleigh rhoads
Marketing and Communications Associate
Kaleigh Rhoads
Marketing and Communications Associate
Kaleigh brings a background in nonprofit leadership, science communication, and public engagement to her role at DRC. With a passion for making research accessible and meaningful, she supports the organization’s mission through strategic storytelling, social media campaigns, grant writing, and digital communications. Kaleigh is currently pursuing an MSc in Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Edinburgh and is driven by a lifelong commitment to fostering compassionate, informed communities.
Andrea Partida
Office Manager
Andrea Partida
Administrative Assistant
Andrea’s background in administration, medical billing, and over 15 years of experience in fundraising for various youth non-profit organizations, makes her a great asset to our DRC team. “I am proud to be a part of the dedicated DRC family and look forward to collaborating with this enthusiastic team to fund research to cure T1D.” In her free time, Andrea enjoys pickleball with her husband and friends, staying active in our beautiful city, and family time with her two grown sons and adorable rescue dog, Trudy.
brooklynn hamilton
Development Coordinator
Brooklynn Hamilton
Development Coordinator
Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 3, Brooklynn has been a passionate advocate for T1D research, representing the T1D community at many events and media appearances and helping to raise over $600,000 for T1D research. In her role as a T1D Youth Ambassador, she spoke at the JDRF Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C., Stanford University, and Americans for Cures event to promote funding for stem cell research initiatives and the NIH Special Diabetes Program. Brooklynn graduated from Texas Christian University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is now excited to use her skills and voice as DRC’s Development Coordinator to continue to drive research forward and advance breakthroughs in T1D cures for herself and the millions of others living with T1D.
We offer up to $75,000 in funding for every research project.
Each project selected by our committee is eligible to receive up to $75,000 in funding, providing the essential resources needed for groundbreaking research in diabetes care, treatment, and finding a cure.
Our Active Research Projects
We grant up to $75,000 to support each research project
#InnovativeDiabetesResearch