Psychology & Neuroscience at UCLA
Explore the world of the mind and its powerful impact on human behavior with a UCLA Research Scientist.
Summer psychology and neuroscience program for teens in Los Angeles
Program Highlights
Residential Tuition :
$5,998
Commuter Tuition:
$3,298
Session 1:
June 22, 2025
July 4, 2025
Session 2:
July 6, 2025
July 18, 2025
Session 3:
July 20, 2025
August 1, 2025
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
Course Overview
The adult human brain weighs approximately 3 pounds making up less than roughly 2% of a person’s body weight, yet it defines our humanity and makes us the individuals that we are – and yet no two are the same. The brain is responsible for the generation of language, thought, attention, consciousness, memory, imagination, and more. But how? And what makes certain people in society behave one way, and others another? Nothing is more fascinating and mysterious than the inner workings of the brain and human psychology.
In Summer Springboard’s Psychology & Neuroscience course on the campus of UCLA, students will explore these fundamental questions and more. Our course will explore the anatomy of the human brain, how it functions, and how that correlates and influences human behavior. Students will learn about how the brain works, how that affects behavior such as social dynamics, emotions, personality, mental illness, and how psychologists study them. Students will get to construct their own miniature psychology theory, design/run an experiment to test it, and present findings to the class.
Meet your instructor
Dr. Salvador Brito
Session 1
Salvador (Sal) Brito received his PhD in Neuroscience from Harvard University, where he focused on understanding how brain circuits process behavioral states like fear and anxiety. Before his move to Boston, Sal attended California Lutheran University in sunny southern California, where he obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, along with his B.A. in Psychology. Sal’s initial exposure to the science of the brain occurred during his high school years, where he took an AP psychology course that would ultimately guide his career trajectory into psychology and neuroscience.
Sal has remained committed to mentorship and teaching throughout his career, having mentored students across all levels, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate level students. Sal’s goal is to help guide students in their own path to understand the intricacies and complexities of the brain. He hopes that this summer experience not only helps students answer some of their existing questions, but also allows them to formulate novel brain-related questions which they can continue pursuing in their own career.
Dr. Alexia Holovatyk
Session 3
Dr. Alexia Holovatyk is a licensed clinical health psychologist, educator, and founder of Live Well Psychology Group. With a specialization in trauma-informed therapy, mind-body health, and women’s mental wellness, she integrates evidence-based interventions like somatic therapy, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients break the stress cycle and heal from chronic conditions.
In addition to running a thriving private practice, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at USC, where she teaches Introduction to Psychology, bridging academic research with real-world application. Dr. Holovatyk has consulted for digital health platforms, led sold-out community workshops, and been featured in multiple media outlets for her expertise in holistic mental health. Whether working one-on-one, in group settings, or through public education, her mission is to empower individuals with the tools to regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate lasting well-being.