Synapse is a student-led organization on the campus of the University of Oregon that is dedicated to supporting individuals who have had any traumatic brain injuries. This club focuses on creating a community for injured students as well as students who are interested in studying the brain and how these injuries potentially affect them, as well as giving members the opportunity to volunteer and participate in support groups, educational seminars and events for the whole Synapse national community.

This club was founded in 2017, around the same time that the neuroscience major at the University of Oregon began to gain popularity, which led to an increase in students interested in joining this organization. The national club was originally founded on the campus of MIT and has made its way across the country and began to grow at a significant rate after a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 years.

This club makes an important contribution to campus through their ability to provide a unique community for students who have suffered potentially life changing injuries.

“Joining Synapse gives students the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with brain injuries, an often-overlooked population.” Sophia Piatti, president of the UO Synapse chapter, said. “It also provides leadership opportunities, professional development opportunities and a platform for students to advocate for underserved groups. This aligns with UO’s broader mission of fostering inclusive, community-focused initiatives.”

“We do a buddy program,or peer support group, in which we invite individuals who have had TBI to gatherings in order to discuss how their injury has affected their life,” Brian Hung, the vice president of operations for the UO Synapse chapter, said. “This club has impacted me through providing me with exposure to people who’ve been through any sort of TBI as well as helping me make new connections with people who want to dedicate time and effort into advocating and understanding TBI.”

This club is dedicated to giving back to the TBI community, but even students who don’t have a TBI have much to gain from their membership. This club gives students the opportunity to organize peer support events, develop communication and personal relation skills as well as find professional opportunities to build upon even after their time at the university has come to an end.

“Members have access to networking and mentoring opportunities through Synapse’s alumni mentoring program and annual Future Leaders in Brain Injury Conference, which supports students pursuing careers in healthcare or neuroscience,” Piatti said.

Synapse plans to host multiple community service-based events come winter term. More information about club meeting times, collaborative efforts with the community and peer support groups can be found @uosynapse on Instagram or on their website: https://uosynapse.weebly.com.