Our Story

Science has always been a part of Nina’s world. As a kid, she was endlessly curious and loved jumping from topic to topic—dinosaurs one day, brains the next. When health challenges led her to be homeschooled in her early years, everything changed in the best way. Learning became hands-on, experience-based, and full of discovery, and her love of science grew even stronger.

That curiosity carried her through college and beyond. She earned degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology from Allegheny College, and went on to complete her PhD in Biological Sciences (with a focus on Neurobiology) at the University of Notre Dame. Throughout all of it, teaching was her happy place. She tutored, TA’d, and jumped at every chance to help others have those “aha!” moments.

After years of working as a scientist, she stepped into a new role—stay-at-home mom to two tiny humans. Watching them explore the world with wide eyes and sticky fingers completely reignited her passion for early science learning. She saw how powerful hands-on experiences were for little learners—and how magical science could be when it feels like play.

That’s when Itsy Bitsy Scientist was born.

She combined everything she loved: science, teaching, creativity, and kids. At Itsy Bitsy Scientist, we’re all about sparking curiosity, encouraging questions, and showing kids that science isn’t scary—it’s exciting, hands-on, and made for them. We’re so glad you’re here to explore with us!