A Sensational science festival
In January 2020, we were excited to be awarded a grant from the Science Festival Alliance to support our Sensational SciFest.
What is that, you ask?
It’s a celebration of science. An opportunity for kids to get some hands on experience doing experiments and STEM-related art. We wanted to add an extra layer to the event though. So many events can be loud and overwhelming for kids who experience sensory overload, so the Sensational SciFest is a space for them to interact and play in an environment that considers their unique needs.
It all sounds great right? Then of course, the pandemic hit and our plans were delayed.
However, despite the hiatus, we’re now back at work and excited to announce the involvement of two incredible new team members.
Lourdes Quiñones
is a consultant assigned to the Early Childhood team at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD-USF). Lourdes’ educational background includes graduating from the program of Physical Therapy at the University of Central Florida, as well as the Master’s in Special Education Disabilities from the University of South Florida (USF). Lourdes is currently a third-year doctoral student in USF’s College of Education. She is enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy program, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education. Her professional experience includes having served children with a variety of physical and neuro-diversities as a pediatric physical therapist in the home, school, and clinic settings, and as a Kindergarten-1st grade special education teacher in Hillsborough County School District. She has been serving as an Early Childhood consultant at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD-USF) since 2019.
Darcy Rouhani
Darcy is an autistic business professional with over 15 years of experience in aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Having served in both technical and corporate roles ranging from Process Engineer to Chief Operating Officer, Darcy brings a unique voice to Scientists, Inc. Throughout her career, Darcy has worked hard to build a culture of innovation and transparency with the leaders within her organizations, building trust with industry colleagues, suppliers, and vendors as well as with the FAA. Currently in her role as CEO of RoC Aviation Services, LLC, Darcy leads a team of engineering and regulatory professionals to support growing industries within the commercial aviation and unmanned aircraft sectors. She maintains membership with FABA (Florida Aviation Business Association), is an FAA-Certified Remote Pilot, and is in the process of becoming an FAA Designee. She has a passion for educating others regarding the value that neurodiversity brings to the world. In her spare time, she is an active member of Women & Drones, an organization dedicated to driving excellence in the unmanned aircraft systems industries by achieving equity and participation of women. Darcy enjoys supporting the autism community through serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering within those organizations.
We’re so grateful to have Lourdes and Darcy’s expertise and are pumped to get back to making our festival a reality! Find out more about what we’re doing on the festival page.