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.
The Synaptic Scholars program is designed to enable students who are interested in creative exploration to realize their potential in intensive, interdisciplinary settings. After being accepted into the program at the end of their freshman years, scholars work with selected faculty and other mentors to develop immersive and rigorous internships, research initiatives, and projects. International travel can be 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.
