29 FAU Students Honored at MPFI Senior Research Symposium

Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience hosted its Senior Research Symposium on April 8, 2025. During the annual event, 29 out standing seniors from  Florida Atlantic University High School – Jupiter Campus  were recognized for their academic achievements.  

The seniors shared oral presentations and posters representing their research during the symposium.  

An Impressive Record of Achievement  

“Over the past few years, these students have gone far beyond the expectations of a typical high school experience—asking bold scientific questions, learning how to navigate the complexities of research, and contributing meaningfully to our understanding of the world,” said David Fitzpatrick, CEO and Scientific Director of MPFI.  

Fitzpatrick noted this year’s graduating class has achieved impressive milestones, including:  

• Hannah Epstein was named Undergraduate Researcher of the Year by FAU’s College of Science.  
• Victoria White received the prestigious Dr. John Samuel Faulkner Award for excellence in physics.  
• Cristal Auger was honored by Zonta International as their “Outstanding Young Woman of the Year.”  

Educating Tomorrow’s Science Leaders  

Max Planck Academy and FAU High School – Jupiter Campus partnered to welcome the first student cohort in 2020. This unique collaboration provides high school students access to MPFI classes and laboratories. Students in the program enjoy world-class research opportunities and cutting-edge neuroscience as part of their regular high school curriculum.  

FAU High students who successfully complete the program earn a high school diploma, Max Planck certificates, and at least two years of college credit at no cost. These benefits, plus unmatched research opportunities at MPFI, lead to distinction in the FAU Max Planck Honors Program and an accelerated bachelor’s degree from FAU.  Explore the partnership and program .  

About the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience  

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, a not-for-profit research organization, is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization with more than 80 institutes worldwide. Since its establishment, 31 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists, including six in the last four years alone.  

As its first U.S. institution, MPFI provides exceptional neuroscientists from around the world with the resources and technology to answer fundamental questions about brain development and function. 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 .