Exploration without limitations.

Sensational SciFest is a celebration of science designed for children with sensory sensitivities and other educational needs. We offer a safe and sensational experience for everyone.

2025 SciFest

April 5, 2025

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

11400 Morris Bridge Rd.

Tampa, FL 33637

Come join us for the fun this year! Sign up for our mailing list below so you don’t miss out on any details!

Let nothing get in their way

We're currently only able to accept donations from residents of the following states: CA, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, MS, MT, NE, NY, SD, TX, VT, & WY. For everyone else thank you for thinking of us!

How is this event different?

Sensory-sensitive kids tend to be hands-on learners, but the bright lights, loud noise and crowded venues of average science festivals make it difficult for them to attend. Sensational SciFest puts their needs first.

We’re supported by amazing organizations like CARD-USF (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) as well as AMRoC Fab Lab, Foundation for Community Innovation, Roboticon of Tampa Bay, Arts4All Florida, and STRYKE eSports and Gaming Center. We’ve worked hard to design an event that prioritizes the sensory needs of neurodivergent kids - including a low-fi calming center sponsored by the Tampa local band, Fantastical Tigers.

Ground Control to Major Fun

Our presenters are real scientists that have gone through training with CARD-USF, along with all of our volunteers, to make sure that every child who attends has a fun and safe experience. Our exhibits feature interactive elements to ignite your child’s imagination. And if you’re worried your sensory-sensitive kid may get overwhelmed, we’ve got that covered. There’s a decompression zone at the event where they can step away from the festival to relax and reset.

We’ve got support stations at either end of the expo, and we’ve divided the day into separate sessions to manage crowds. The midday session has been set up especially for kids who may need a little extra support. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at contact@scientistsinc.org.

Scientists Inc is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating new connections between people and science. Scientists Inc is working to make science more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Meet our team

  • Parmvir loves learning, and in particular, learning about science. This has led to a scientific career of more than 20 years doing neuroscience research in the lab.

    During this time she has observed who is able to participate in the process and who is marginalized. So, for the last 10 years she has also been working to make science more relatable, accessible and fun for others.

    As a co-founder of multiple public engagement initiatives, Parmvir has extensive experience working with scientists to help communicate their work, as well as allowing non-experts to connect with science on their own terms.

  • Keegan is an autistic activist interested in all things justice. They have campaigned to have racism declared a public health crisis, worked to protect our environment, and raised funds for non-profits like the ACLU. Now, they focus primarily on disability rights by serving as Executive Director of Tampa-based YES! of America United. Additionally, they serve as Vice President to the Fulbright Association's Fulbrighters with Disabilities global chapter. Creating spaces that are inclusive to all is of the utmost importance to Keegan, that's why they're so excited to assist in building this sensory-friendly environment for science education.

  • 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, he brings a unique voice to Scientists Inc. Throughout his career, Darcy has worked hard to build a culture of innovation and transparency with the leaders within his organizations, building trust with industry colleagues, suppliers, and the FAA. Currently, 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. He maintains membership with FABA (Florida Aviation Business Association), is an FAA-Certified Remote Pilot and is in the process of becoming an FAA Designee. He has a passion for educating others regarding the value that neurodiversity brings to the world. In his spare time, he serves as a constituency board member of CARD-USF, an organization dedicated to serving the autism (and related disabilities) community. Darcy enjoys supporting the science and autism community through serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering within those organizations.

  • Mel is a volcanologist who works on understanding what makes volcanoes erupt and how we can reduce the impact of those eruptions on societies who live around them. Mel has a Ph.D. in Volcanology and works at the University of South Florida as a Research Assistant Professor. She often uses “drones” (Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles) to collect data and make maps of volcanic areas, looking at both what’s on the surface and what’s beneath. She also uses the tiny earthquakes that volcanoes make to understand the internal workings of the volcano. Mel is still a big kid who never grew up and so she loves making science accessible for all kids, big and small. Mel is dyslexic and has always known that she’s had to work twice as hard to go half the distance. She nearly gave up on education because she didn’t fit the vision of what a "scientist" looks like, so she wants to make sure that nobody is ever told they’re not bright enough to follow their dreams.

  • Sarina is a PsyD student in Clinical Psychology at the Florida School of Professional Psychology. Her clinical interests are broad, but include health psychology and working with young adults. She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Political Science. Sarina is passionate about both psychology and politics, and loves to find ways to merge the two, such as advocating for inclusivity and positive policy change. 

    Sarina has always loved science, and she was able to channel this into research as an undergraduate. She conducted an experimental research study on openness to dietary behavior change to improve health outcomes. She was also a research assistant in a lab studying the effects of bias on political attitudes. Now, she serves as a peer reviewer for a graduate psychology journal. Sarina is excited to share her love for science, and is passionate about making the field more inclusive for everyone!

  • Christina Spencer is a native Floridian who was born in Sarasota, grew up in Tallahassee and went to college in Jupiter. She graduated from the Honors College of Florida Atlantic University with a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a concentration in Psychology. She then attended the American Jewish University (Los Angeles, CA) where she was ordained as a rabbi and earned two Masters’ Degrees, a MA in Jewish Studies and a MA in Education. Before coming to CARD-USF, Christina spent 15 years working in education as a Director of Education for a congregation in El Paso, TX, a pre-K teacher for Community Action Project, a HeadStart program in Tulsa, OK, and as a Kindergarten teacher in Pasco County. Christina is a reading endorsed certified teacher for grades Pre-K3 through 6 and a 2013 Teach for America alumna (Tulsa).

    Christina also has experience in the healthcare field. She trained has an EMT in Texas and worked as a Unit Secretary and Patient Care Technician at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. Upon returning to Florida in 2023, Christina began a side career in Home Health Care. She provides one-on-one care to patients with both physical and cognitive limitations including those who are post-op, permanently disabled and/or experiencing dementia. Throughout her years working in education and healthcare, Christina has developed a passion for advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She is a strong believer in the importance of early intervention and support. Currently, Christina works as a consultant for Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at USF.

Alumni

  • Angela has worked in marketing and communications for 15+ years. She built her career in digital media, and currently works in cyber security at JP Morgan Chase & Co. as VP of Project Execution.

    As the Director of Communications and Development, Angela oversees public relations, marketing and digital strategies for Scientists Inc and our brands. Among Angela’s goals are to identify and apply for grants and sponsorships, as well as to ensure the ongoing growth of our communities, both online and at events.

    Angela is passionate about intersectionality and inclusivity, and is an active volunteer at Tampa Pride and METRO.