About this Program

The program creates a framework in which intellectual juxtapositions, critical thinking and self-directed explorations are fully realized. Synaptic Scholars is a leadership program, meant to provide a forum for students to take risks, pursue passions, and challenge assumptions in an intimate, supportive and collaborative environment. It is designed to cultivate a strong sense of accountability and responsibility, while encouraging scholars to enrich the University’s intellectual life and programming.

Learn about the Scholars

Mission Statement
The Synaptic Scholars program is designed to encourage and enable students interested in creative, intellectual exploration to realize their potential in intensive, interdisciplinary settings.

The Synaptic Scholars program was founded by Sherman Teichman, Director of the Institute for Global Leadership at Tufts University. After being accepted into the program by Sophomore year, scholars work with selected faculty and other mentors to develop immersive and rigorous internships, research initiatives and projects. International travel is sometimes a major component of these experiences.

Scholars meet weekly to examine a broad range of current events and global issues, organize community events, offer feedback and support for individual and group projects, and reflect on their evolving intellectual interests and personal goals.

By moving beyond traditional departmental methodologies with a singular disciplinary focus, the group creates a framework in which intellectual juxtapositions, critical thinking and self-directed explorations are fully realized.

Scholars are paired with mentors from an array of backgrounds, forming an intimate advising structure. These individuals serve as advisors and contacts to scholars throughout their academic careers, as they pursue research and other projects.

Scholars organize community events, connecting the knowledge and expertise of Tufts’ accomplished faculty with undergraduate interests and academic pursuits. Finally, scholars organize forums for peer-to-peer intellectual discourse, reaching out to both first-years and other students.

Ultimately, the Synaptic Scholars program is a leadership program, meant to provide a forum for students to take risks, pursue passions, and challenge assumptions in an intimate, supportive and collaborative environment. It is designed to cultivate a strong sense of accountability and responsibility, while encouraging scholars to enrich the University's intellectual life and programming.