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Executive Board

Meet the Exec Members of Synapse 2024-25!

President: Emi Takayama

Hi! My name is Emi, and I am currently a junior 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 senior 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.

 

 

 


Finance Chair: 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 Chair: Alice Shin

Hi, I’m Alice! I am currently a junior 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 Chair: Emily Wu

Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a junior 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

Daniel Lee

I’m Daniel, a senior 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.