Welcome to the Brain Explorer Academy
Hello Orange County Families,
For years, our families have asked for a way to engage in neuroscience throughout the year. I’m thrilled to share that the Brain Explorer Academy (BEA) makes that possible. The Brain Explorer Academy is a one-of-a-kind program that brings hands-on neuroscience learning, mentorship, and community to Southern California high school students throughout the school year.
Applications for BEA 2.0 are now open!
Students in the Brain Explorer Academy explore real neuroscience on a college campus. They engage with UC Irvine scientists, participate in interactive lectures, conduct hands-on experiments, tour research labs, and join a supportive community of future scientists.
You do NOT need to have participated in BEA 1.0 to apply for BEA 2.0.
BEA 2.0 is open to all motivated high school students in Southern California who are curious about the brain and excited to explore science in action.
Sessions run April 14 – June 18, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30–6:00 PM at UC Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.
Applications are now open and are due February 1. Click here to apply.
We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort of Brain Explorers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Manuella Oliveira Yassa
Founder, Brain Explorer Academy
Applications now open!
Deadline: Feb 1
What is the Brain Explorer Academy?
The Brain Explorer Academy is the CNLM's flagship educational program for high school students. Founded by Dr. Manuella Yassa, Director of Outreach and Education, and run by the Center's Office of Outreach and Education team. Over 10 weeks, students explore neuroscience through:
- Interactive lectures with UC Irvine neuroscientists
- Hands-on experiments and demonstrations
- Behind-the-scenes lab tours on a real research campus
Designed for curious high schoolers preparing for college, this program helps students build knowledge, skills, and confidence for future studies in neuroscience, biology, psychology, engineering, medicine and more!
Winter 2026 will feature the Brain Explorer Academy - Intro to the Brain curriculum.
Program Details
Winter 2026 (current session)
Dates: January 13 – March 19
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Tuition: $2445 for the 10-week program (20 sessions). The application includes an opportunity to apply for a scholarship, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Spring 2026 (applications now open)
Dates: April 14 - June 18
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Tuition: $2445 for the 10-week program (20 sessions). The application includes an opportunity to apply for a scholarship, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Why join the Brain Explorer Academy?
- Explore brain science in action
- Boost your college application with unique research experience
- Learn directly from UC Irvine scientists
- Join a community of future scientists like you
Applications now open!
Deadline: Feb 1
Questions about Brain Explorer Academy?
Please email the Office of Outreach and Education at explorethebrain@uci.edu
Meet the Team
Manuella Oliveira Yassa, Ph.D.
Director
Ph.D and M.S., University of California, Irvine
B.A., Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Manuella Oliveira Yassa earned her Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience from The Johns Hopkins University and her Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Social Ecology with a focus on science education at UC Irvine. Prior to joining UCI as Director of Outreach and Education, Manuella taught middle school science in Baltimore City where she fell in love with neuroscience education. In addition to her roles at UCI, Manuella serves on the Education Advisory Committee for the Irvine Unified School District and co-director of the USA Brain Bee.
Morgan Coburn, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Office of Outreach and Education
Ph.D and M.S., University of California, Irvine
B.A., Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley
Dr. Morgan Coburn earned her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Behavior at Mount Holyoke College. She then returned to Southern California to complete her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Biological Sciences at UCI. Her doctoral research focused on human microglial dynamics in Alzheimer's Disease. Morgan then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia before returning to the CNLM as our Outreach and Education Fellow and Assistant Director of UCI Brain Camp. In her role, she works to advance the Outreach and Education mission of the CNLM to create accessible, equitable, and high-quality learning experiences in partnership with communities.
Erin M. Purvis Conway, Ph.D.
Civic Science Fellow
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
B.S., University of California, Santa Barbara
Dr. Conway completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara and her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. Her doctoral work in neural engineering focused on developing regenerative medicine strategies for neuronal redirection and replacement following traumatic brain injury. As a Civic Science Fellow at the CNLM, she is working to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships between UCI researchers and the local community.