MPFI Celebrates 15th Annual High School Internship Presentations

August 12, 2026

On July 31, eight outstanding and driven student-scientists shared their summer research findings during the 15th annual High School Internship Presentations. Fifty family members, mentors and donors, gathered to celebrate the culmination of a six-week summer immersion internship at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI).

Each student presented their original research, spanning advanced microscopy, neural imaging, biosensor development, genetic engineering, addiction and motor control. Students answered guests' questions during a poster session, in which they discussed the impacts of their experiences in working alongside MPFI scientists.

The 2026 summer intern cohort represented six local schools:

Abhi Ayithi, Suncoast High School
Nishka Bishen, American Heritage School, Palm Beach
Elleana Derby, The Benjamin School
Rishi Iyer, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Mili Mohanty, The Benjamin School
Kasey Moore, American Heritage School, Palm Beach
Julia Nord, Jupiter Community High School
Deanna Schwarzberg, Oxbridge Academy

These students were selected from 160 applicants, reflecting the continued interest in MPFI's highly competitive summer internship program. In the 15 years since its founding, the High School Internship program has provided research opportunities to 103 students—many of whom have attended leading universities and pursued careers in science, medicine and engineering.

“I had the privilege of working with some of the brightest students around,” said Dr. Carla Sawan, Head of Education Outreach at MPFI. “The best part is watching them grow from nervous first-day interns into confidents researchers, standing in front of a room presenting their own complex scientific data and answering hard questions about it.”

The MPFI High School Internship Program is made possible through the generous support of donors who advance the institute's education and outreach mission. By connecting students with active scientists and innovative research, the program helps inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and researchers.

For media inquiries, contact Lesley Colgan at lesley.colgan@mpfi.org.

About the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), a not-for-profit research organization, is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization with 84 institutes worldwide. Since its establishment in 1948, 31 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists. As its only North American institution, MPFI provides exceptional neuroscientists with the resources and technology to answer fundamental brain development and function questions. MPFI researchers employ a curiosity-driven approach to science to develop new technologies that make groundbreaking scientific discoveries possible. For more information, visit mpfi.org.