Kayla Samantha Barton
I am a UCLA honors student majoring in psychology and minoring in brain and behavioral health. I have always been passionate about the relationship between human psychology and the practices of the criminal justice system, which is why I aspire to be a successful forensic psychologist.
Specialized Skills
Computer Skills-
- Microsoft Powerpoint Certified
- Microsoft Word Certified
- Microsoft Excel Certified
- Basic R Language Coding Skills
Language Skills-
- Proficient/Fluent English Speaker
- Proficient/Fluent Spanish Speaker
Technical Skills-
- Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certified
Extracurricular Activities
UCLA Spirit Squad
As UCLA ambassadors, we embody the spirit and traditions of the nation’s top public university, performing at important community outreach, campus, alumni, media, and athletic events. The squad consists of over 40+ student-athletes who devote 15-20 hours per week to practice, workouts, and game-day performances, all without compensation.
Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence. It provides a community of scholars, a platform for leadership development, and financial assistance through scholarships and educational partnerships. As a scholar, I participate in a variety of community service events, such as blood drives to assist the UCLA community.
Phi Eta Sigma
Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society that promotes and awards outstanding academic achievement. The organization is built on a foundation of investing in student success both academically and personally, providing students with an array of opportunities to grow and broaden their perspectives. As a member, I devote my time to various charitable activities, such as volunteering at local Los Angeles homeless shelters to aid those in need.
The International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi)
Psi Chi is an international honor society that encourages its members to conduct outstanding research, disseminate and apply research findings, and pursue a lifelong interest in the field of psychology. I have contributed to the organization by participating in a research project dedicated to the origins of schizophrenia.
The Undergraduate Psychology Society (TUPS)
TUPS is an organization for students who are interested in the practical applications and aspects of psychology. The organization’s mission is to help its members prepare for the professional world after college by exploring ideas that encourage real-world applications of their interest in psychology. To increase my interest in the subject, I have allocated my time to a variety of activities, such as attending suicide prevention trainings.
Alpha Delta Pi
ADPi is founded on the initiative to provide critical resources for the sorority’s educational, leadership, and philanthropic activities that benefit women and the communities they serve. To support my local area, I have volunteered and raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), our main philanthropy, that assists struggling families in hospitals.
My Passions
My future career goal is to become a forensic psychologist for the FBI. This field of work combines my love for forensics with my love for psychology.
Forensics
- Forensics refers to the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems, particularly those involving criminal evidence.
- I became interested in the field of forensics after watching the popular television show, Forensic Files, which illustrates how forensics is used to solve violent crimes and mysterious accidents. The cases presented made me realize that I wanted to be the person who helped struggling families overcome the uncertainties that came with unresolved investigations.
- As an intern for the Nogales Probation Department, I was able to gain real-world experience in the field and further develop my passion. I shadowed several probation officers as they supported their clients. I noticed that by building positive relationships, these officers were able to change the lives of their clients and prevent them from committing further crimes.
- For example, I was able to observe an interview inside a probation officer client’s jail cell in which the officer and his client communicated in a trustworthy, comfortable manner. Their positive relationship had an impact on the client, and he was released from jail shortly after the encounter.
Psychology
- Psychology refers to the study of human behavior and the mental processes that enable individuals to learn, function, and react to various situations.
- I developed a strong interest in the field of psychology after witnessing a close family member struggle with depression. This individual was someone I admired deeply, and witnessing them struggle to find happiness was heartbreaking. This experience made me realize how much I wanted to help those in need and improve the lives of those in my community.
- I have pursued this passion further by majoring in psychology, minoring in brain and behavioral health, and participating in a number of psychology-related organizations. In addition, working as a research assistant in a psychology lab has greatly expanded my knowledge of the subject.
- Scroll down to the research section to learn more about my experiences as a research assistant and how this opportunity has influenced my understanding of psychology!
“Every morning, you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them.”
Sean Barton
My Father
