Meet the Exec Members of Synapse 2023-24!
President: Emi Takayama
Hi! My name is Emi, and I am currently a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience from Seattle, Washington. I joined Duke Synapse because I love contributing to the Durham community and hoped to meet other students with similar passions. I am particularly interested in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia. This year, I look forward to meeting more students through volunteering and connecting with the members at Threshold!
Vice President: Lukas Bleichner
My name is Lukas Bleichner and I’m a junior from Miami, Florida. I’m majoring in neuroscience on the premed track. I joined Duke Synapse to meet a community of like-minded peers who are passionate about learning neuroscience and applying this passion through community and social outreach. This year, I look forward to working with and volunteering at institutions aiming to assist those with serious mental illnesses.
Treasurer: Hanna Regassa
My name is Hanna, I am from Virginia, and I am majoring in Neuroscience. I joined Duke Synapse to gain a better understanding of neuroscience and neurology, promote neuroscience within the school and community, and build a community for individuals interested in neuroscience. This year, I am looking forward to interacting with and building strong connections with other individuals interested in neuroscience this year at Duke Synapse.
Communications Officer: Amruth Addanki
My name is Amruth Addanki, and I am a third-year student studying neuroscience. I’ve always been fascinated with how the cellular functions of the brain operate, which is a key reason why I picked neuroscience. I joined Synapse in order to deepen my understanding of the intersection between society and medicine. I believe that this opportunity will help me become a better physician and a better and more empathetic person. I am looking forward to this experience and I’m excited to have an impact on my local community.
Publicity Officer: Alice Shin
Hi, I’m Alice! I am currently a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience. I joined Duke Synapse because I love studying the brain and the biological components of mental health disorders. This year, I look forward to working closely with mental health patients such as those with schizophrenia at the Threshold Clubhouse.
Event Coordinator: Emily Wu
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a sophomore and neuro major from Tucson, Arizona. I joined Duke Synapse to explore my love for neuroscience through volunteering and connecting with the Duke community. I look forward to bringing fun new events and partnerships this year!
Synapse National Coordinators
Co-Chair: Daniel Lee
I’m Daniel, a junior and biology major from Orlando, Florida. I remember always being fascinated by brains ever since I was a child. After coming to Duke, I became passionate about volunteer efforts related to neuroscience, particularly with patients with neurological disorders. I am looking forward to future volunteering events with Synapse, and helping to foster a local community where people with brain injuries can build social support networks.
Co-Chair: James Yang
I’m James, a junior from Tucson, Arizona majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Computer science. I joined Duke Synapse to bring the various Synapse National volunteer programs to Duke!
