University Council

The purpose of University Council (UC) is to promote and advocate for the interests and welfare of all the students at SUNY Downstate as related to campus-wide issues and activities.

All Student Activity fee paying members of Downstate's student body are members of University Council .

UC funds various clubs and organizations at SUNY Downstate and meets monthly. Your University Council, with representation from all 5 colleges/schools, serves as a liaison group between students and administration for all pertinent matters to the total student body. The council deals with university-wide issues such as SUNY budget cuts and tuition increases, as well as stays informed about state-level discussions via affiliations with the SUNY Student Assembly and SUNY Council. UC funding co-sponsors activities such as Winter Ball/Spring Fling, an annual semi-formal dance, the Multicultural Fair, a Service Learning Poster Competition, and the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Do you have any suggestions/ideas for improving anything at our institution? Please fill out the University Council "Suggestion Box" Form

If you need to reach a member of the University Council please email them at UniversityCouncil@downstate.edu, plus a little information about your UC leadership representatives:

The University Council Leadership Communication Structure

Org Chart

Your University Council co-sponsors funding for clubs across campus, and allocates funds to clubs for the full academic year every March. Bylaws, meeting minutes, and the financial documents outlining whether or not your club has funding from different student councils can be found here.

If you are interested in becoming a leadership representative of University Council or want further information please contact Amy Urquhart through eMail or call 718-270-2485.

Council Organization

Name	Email Address	Position on Board	Bio
Timothy Morello	timothy.morello@downstate.edu	College Council Representative	Tim is an MD/PhD student in his final year of medical school. He has been active in university service as previous President and Vice President of University Council, chair of the LCME Independent Student Analysis Committee, and director for the Early Medical Education Summer Program.
Kelsha Sanchez	kelsha.sanchez@downstate.edu	Secretary	Kelsha is a 2nd year medical student currently serving as the Secretary for University Council. As a former college adjunct, she contributes a perspective that bridges the gap between student and educator. She is passionate about ensuring that students from all backgrounds can find a positive learning environment at Downstate.
Thomas Sanford	thomas.sanford@downstate.edu	SUNY SA Representative	I am Thomas, a dedicated second-year medical student with a passion for healthcare and a drive to make a difference. Currently serving as the SUNY SA representative, I am committed to advocating for student needs and fostering positive change within the education system. My journey is guided by a deep desire to merge my medical aspirations with my advocacy endeavors, shaping a future where quality healthcare and student welfare go hand in hand.
Freddie Birnbaum	fredrick.birnbaum@downstate.edu	COM Representative	Freddie is a student in the College of Medicine, class of 2024. He has served as the UC Treasurer for 2 years and will now serve as one of COM representatives. He is also in the medical educator pathway and served on his class’s Student Liaison Committee. He will be applying for pediatric residency programs this fall. Outside of school, he loves to read and watch Star Trek!
Lindsay Blank	lindsay.blank@downstate.edu	College of Medicine Representative	Lindsay is a member of the College of Medicine Class of 2026. In addition to her duties as COM Representative for University Council, she is the secretary of Association of Women Surgeons, Chief Communications Officer for American Medical Women's Association and an active member of the volleyball club. Lindsay is also participating in research with Maimonides Department of Orthopedic Surgery and was an anatomy TA over the summer. She is very passionate about intra- and inter-class relationships in the COM and hopes to work with Greater Med Council to facilitate these relationships in the community.
Daniel Green, MPH	daniel.green@downstate.edu	SUNY Student Assembly Representative	Dan is an MD student in the College of Medicine, class of 2027. Serving as one of the SUNY SA representatives, Dan advocates on behalf of the Downstate student body to the SUNY system. He aspires to become a pediatric physician, who works to optimize patient care, promote health education, and decrease health disparities.
Kunika Chahal	kunika.chahal@downstate.edu	College Council Representative	Kunika Chahal, MPH is a second-year medical student at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She is the College Council Student Representative for University Council, Vice President of the Class of 2026 Medical Council, and a member of the Student Council Governing Board. She is passionate about advocating for an increase in mental health services and in medical education accessibility, such as for students with disabilities or students with dependents. She aspires to be a radiation oncologist focused on advocating for accessible care for her patients. Her interests include rock-climbing, hiking, biking, traveling, reading, trying new foods, and adventuring with her dog.
Sonja Joshi	Sonja.Joshi@downstate.edu	School of Health Professions (SOHP) Representative	Sonja is a second year Occupational Therapy (OT) student, Class of 2024. She has previously served as the President of COTAD (Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity) from 2022-2023. She hopes to pursue a career in the fields of Pediatrics and/or Neurorehabilitation. She also aims to continue research in increasing the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ healthcare related topics into OT curricula. Eventually she hopes to gain her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree to pursue her passion for teaching the next generation of OT practitioners. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking vegetarian and vegan recipes, and trying to win over her best friend's cat, Potato.
Isaac Vingan	ivingan@yahoo.com	President (& Grad School Representative)	Isaac is a 7th year MD/PhD student, in the 4rd year of his PhD in Neuroscience. He is the active President of the University Council and President of the Student Center Governing Board. Isaac passionately engages with campus faculty to playan active role in enhancing the education of his future medical peers. He has TAed and tutored for numerous medical school and graduate school classes. He hopes to practice neurology at an institution that will enable him to continuebasic research and teaching.
Shivasuryan Vummidi	shivasuryan.vummidi@downstate.edu	Treasurer	Shiva's a second year MD/MPH student at Downstate, and he's the current treasurer of UC! Outside of class, he likes to work out at the Student Center gym, make ice cream every week for the Residence Halls, and conduct orthopedics research at Downstate.
Paul Fried	paul.fried@downstate.edu	COM Representative	Paul is a future pediatrician who is proud to have served the Downstate campus for the duration of his medical schooling. He enjoys advocating for all the students on campus and making sure the campus is a safe and enjoyable environment for learning and growth.
Tobi Somorin	tobi.somorin@downstate.edu	Vice President	My name is Tobi Somorin and I'm a 3rd-Year MD/MPH student. I currently serve as the Vice President for University Council. I'm passionate about addressing the mental health and wellbeing problems our students struggle with. I intend to work with University Council to provide solutions to the issues of healthcare student burnout, stress, and anxiety that many of us face on a daily basis.