Message from the Founder

  "My journey with Synapse started from something very personal: finding out that I had low working memory.

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  For a long time, I thought some of my struggles were my own fault, or that I simply needed to try harder. But after understanding my diagnosis, I realized that learning difficulties are not always visible from the outside, and many students may be struggling silently without knowing why. This made me think about students who do not have access to support, testing, or understanding. If someone like me, with access to education and opportunities, could still feel confused and misunderstood, then many students in underprivileged communities may be facing the same challenges without ever receiving help.​

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  Through Synapse, I hope to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help parents, teachers, and students understand that learning differently does not mean being lazy or incapable. My personal goal is to continue studying the brain, learning, and behaviour through fields such as cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology. In the future, I hope to use that knowledge to help build better support systems for students who learn differently."

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Background

  Michael is a student with a strong interest in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and education. He attended Brown University’s Neuroscience of Learning and Memory summer program, studied AP Psychology, and has conducted research on how learning difficulties are perceived across different communities, especially in relation to stigma and awareness.

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  Michael has also gained exposure to science and healthcare through an internship at BRIN and by shadowing doctors in a hospital setting. These experiences helped him better understand the connection between biology, the brain, education, and real-world support for students. Beyond academics, he is also active in music, sports, and student-led community service.

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