M.A.D. Awards Celebrate Student Innovators

Photo Courtesy of CSCA

​(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – Some of the region’s brightest young scientists were recently recognized as the Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA) hosted the 15th Annual Making a Difference (M.A.D.) Scientist Awards, an event made possible by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, celebrating middle and high school students from Palm Beach and Martin counties whose research projects advanced through regional science and engineering competitions.

The evening’s highest honor, M.A.D. Scientist of the Year 2026, was awarded to Royal Palm Beach resident, Francesca Rodriguez, age 17, from Palm Beach Central High School. In total, 58 students were honored, including 46 from Palm Beach County and 12 from Martin County, for their innovative research and scientific discovery.
 
Four students were recognized with Best in Show, representing the top projects from both Palm Beach and Martin counties: Luca Rogers of Jupiter Middle School (grades 6–8, Palm Beach County); Stella Dzikowski of Hidden Oaks Middle School (grades 6–8, Martin County); Francesca Rodriguez of Palm Beach Central High School (grades 9–12, Palm Beach County); and Varun Singh of South Fork High School (grades 9–12, Martin County).
 
The event also honored the top educators who guide students through the research and experimentation process, including Rickelya Mason of Roosevelt Middle School and Corinne Nguyen of Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Palm Beach County. 
 
“These students are tackling real-world questions and demonstrating the curiosity and creativity that define great scientists,” said Carla Duhaney, Chief Operating Officer of CSCA. “It’s inspiring to see young people pursuing meaningful research and developing ideas that could shape the future. Now in its 15th year, the M.A.D. Scientist Awards continue to encourage scientific curiosity, innovation and hands-on discovery while celebrating the students and educators advancing STEM education in the region.”
 
M.A.D. Scientists is the result of a shared vision between the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, the School District of Palm Beach County, the Martin County School District and CSCA. The goal is to bring together bright young minds in STEM research and provide them opportunities to network with each other and with professionals in their fields.
 
Students began their projects at the school level by developing detailed research plans outlining their proposed studies, including safety protocols, environmental considerations and potential impacts on research participants. After receiving approval, students conducted their experiments and presented their findings at school science fairs held in this past fall.
 
Winning projects advanced to regional competitions in Palm Beach and Martin counties, where the top students were nominated to attend the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida. During the M.A.D. Scientist Awards ceremony, the nominated students were recognized for their achievements and had the opportunity to meet with coaches who provided feedback to help prepare them for the state competition.
 
Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s purpose is to “Open Every Mind to Science.” The Cox Science Center and Aquarium features immersive, educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, an outdoor science trail and more. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows and special events. The current traveling exhibit, Top Secret: License to Spy, will be on display through April 26, 2026. In 2021, the Center launched a transformative capital expansion campaign. Construction began in May 2024 with completion expected in 2027. To learn more about CSCA, call 561.832.1988 or visit coxsciencecenter.org.