The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) proudly announces its 2025 High School Summer Internship Program participants. This select group of rising stars are spending six immersive weeks working alongside MPFI’s world-class scientists, gaining hands-on experience in advanced neuroimaging and brain-behavior research.
Meet the 2025 Interns:
- Alexa Karatzas – Palm Beach Central High School
Alexa is working on the neuroscience track in the Molecular Core with mentor Jenny Yu
- Ariana Perez Arias – Martin County High School
Ariana is working on the neuroscience track in the Yasuda Lab with mentor Taisaku Ogawa
- Jason Pitchford – Suncoast Community High School
Jason is working on the programming track in the Bidaye Lab with mentor Divya Sthanu Kumar
- Joy Chen – Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Joy is working on the mechanical engineering track in the Mechanical Workshop with mentor Nicole Daniel
- Nicole Walsh – The Benjamin School
Nicole is working on the neuroscience track in the Tian Lab with mentors Yiwei Hua, Julie Chouinard, and Erin Scott
- Olivia Berman – Wellington High School
Olivia is working on the neuroscience track in the Tian Lab with mentors Yiwei Hua, Julie Chouinard, and Erin Scott
- Rishan Thangaraj – American Heritage High School, Boca/Delray Campus
Rishan is working on the programming track in the Yasuda Lab with mentors Long Yan and Taddeo Salemi
The MPFI Summer Internship Program, now in its 14th year, attracted a record 167 applicants this year. The seven outstanding students who were selected stood out not only for their academic achievement but for their curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm for neuroscience.
During this six-week program, interns are learning cutting-edge imaging methods such as 2-photon microscopy and computational analysis, collaborating with leading scientists on current research projects, attending career development seminars, and will present their own mini-research projects at the end of the program.
MPFI’s internship has become a hallmark of its outreach efforts, building a bridge between passionate high school students and the frontiers of brain science. Many past interns have gone on to pursue STEM degrees and research opportunities, crediting their time at MPFI as a turning point. The program is competitive and aims to foster creativity and innovation among young scientific minds.
Congratulations to Alexa, Ariana, Jason, Joy, Nicole, Olivia, and Rishan. We can’t wait to see the discoveries you’ll uncover and the future you’ll help build.
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