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.

We had an amazing time at this year’s event! Check back for info on our next Sensational SciFest!

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.

Let nothing get in their way.

 

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.