Our Mission
Providing children with science research experience to inspire them to learn investigation and problem-solving techniques that will be applicable inside and outside of the classroom.
The Team
Neymi Mignocchi, Ph.D.
Dr. Neymi is the founder and director of Eye of a Scientist. She has obtained a Doctorate Degree in Neuroscience and Integrated Biology. Additionally, she has earned two distinct Masters Degrees in Experimental Psychology and Biology. Obtaining a doctorate degree has given her the advantage of knowing the higher education system from a student perspective. She applies it to guide her students' learning of different science topics by offering a scientist's approach to enhance their problem-solving skills. Everyone is a scientist in their own life when they encounter obstacles that require solutions.
With her program, she aims to influence young minds to learn about the physical world and understand the role of science in our everyday lives. "My goal is to teach my students how to become their own scientists in their everyday lives."
Benjelene Sutherland, PhD Candidate
Ms. Benjelene is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology at FIU, specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience. She graduated from FIU with a B.A. in Psychology with a double major in Philosophy of the Mind. Benjelene’s academic and career goals revolve around gaining a better understanding of
adolescent substance use etiology in the context of brain function and modifiable risk factors (e.g., emotion regulation, sleep) that can inform prevention strategies to reduce use onset. Namely, Benjelene has experience in adolescent and families research, conducting behavioral and task-based fMRI assessments.
Kaia Klotzbuecher
Kaia is a master’s student in Marine Science with a focus on Marine Biology at Nova Southeastern University’s Halmos College of Arts & Sciences. Originally from Delaware, she grew up working with animals, from farm animals to pets in a veterinary office. She has also gained hands-on experience in marine science, working in sea turtle conservation and research, as well as serving as a fisheries technician in lab and field settings. With a passion for learning and teaching, Kaia has tutored, volunteered in schools, and worked as a teaching assistant for biology labs. Now, she’s excited to inspire children through Eye of a Scientist, hoping to spark their interest in science and make complex topics more accessible. She plans to further develop her teaching skills and is considering a master’s thesis focused on science education, with the hope of discovering the next generation of marine biologists.