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
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 Adam Burgman, through eMail or call 718-270-3293.
Council Organization
Name | Position on Board | Bio |
---|---|---|
Joya Ahmad | President | Joya (she/her) is a fourth-year student in the College of Medicine and aspiring ob/gyn. She is the current President of University Council as well as the President of the Medical Council for the Class of 2025. She previously served as the College Council representative. She is passionate about increasing academic and scholarly opportunities for students in all programs and is always proud to work alongside similarly motivated students. She is a member of both the Medical Educator and the Health Education, Advocacy, and Leadership (HEAL) pathways and is passionate about increasing health equity for marginalized communities through LBGTQIA+-affirming care and education, anti-racism advocacy, and addressing accessibility issues for disabled communities. Outside of school, she is a proud cat mom to two adorable furballs and an avid marathoner. |
Isaac Vingnan | Vice President | Isaac is an 8th year MD/PhD student returning to his 3rd year of medical school. He is the active Vice President and former president of the University Council. Isaac passionately engages with campus faculty to play an active role in enhancing the education of his future medical peers. He has received his PhD from the Neural and Behavioral Sciences Program at SUNY Downstate in the laboratory of Dr. Juan Marcos Alarcon. 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 continue basic research and teaching. |
Shivasuryan Vummidi | Treasurer | Shiva is a third-year MD/MPH student at SUNY Downstate and is happy to resume his role as the UC Treasurer for the next academic year. He currently likes to exercise, play video games, and conduct orthopedics research at Downstate. Shiva is excited to help UC make Downstate a better campus for everyone! |
Kelsha Sanchez | Secretary | Kelsha is a 3rd year medical student entering her second term 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. Her interests include art and as a member of DAIS she has contributed to several ceiling tile paintings that are displayed at University Hospital. |
Daniel Green | SUNY Student Assembly Representative | Dan Green, MPH 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 | COM Representative | Kunika Chahal, MPH is a third-year medical student at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She is the College of Medicine Representative for University Council, the Vice President of Student Affairs for the Class of 2026 Medical Council and has served on 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. |
Karina Muniz | College of Nursing Representative | Karina serves as the College of Nursing (CON) representative on the University Council. She is an accelerated nursing student set to graduate in December 2024. After passing her NCLEX, she plans to further her nursing education at SUNY Downstate as a BS-DNP student, with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health. Karina is dedicated to improving the resources and communication available to the CON and expanding its programs at SUNY Downstate, particularly in higher education tracks such as the Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. |
Thomas Sanford | SUNY Student Assembly Representative | As the SUNY Student Assembly Representative, Thomas is an MS3 on a mission to connect, represent, and advocate. His goal is to forge lasting connections across the greater SUNY network, ensuring that the voices of Downstate students are amplified. Thomas is dedicated to advocating for accessible healthcare education and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Join him in shaping a SUNY that champions student success and community well-being. |
Elana Cohen | COM Representative | Elana is a rising 4th year medical student who is excited to merge her passions for helping others and medical education in her position as COM representative, advocating on behalf of her fellow classmates to facilitate positive change on a university level. She hopes to bring these same passions to her future career as a Family Medicine physician, both teaching patients how to advocate for themselves while also working alongside them to achieve their health goals. Elana has been involved in many on-campus activities (FMIG, ENT club, Peds-R-Us, MK/Anatomy Tutor) and is also in the Medical Education pathway as well as the Global Health Pathway. She is excited to serve on the University Council this year! Elana’s hobbies outside of school include drawing, painting, playing violin, and reading books in a comfortable chair with her cats curled up in her lap. |
Nour Elshabassy | School of Health Professions (SOHP) Representative | Nour is a second year PA student, class of 2025. In addition to his role as the SOHP Representative on University Council, he is on the PA Student Council, serving as the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA) and the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Associates (SAAAPA) representative. He is also the Secretary for the SOHP Student Council. Upon graduating, Nour aspires to explore the field of Internal Medicine, as well as become an educator to help guide future PAs. In every future role he serves, Nour intends to optimize patient care, promote health education, and bridge the gaps that lead to health disparities. His interests include playing/watching soccer, hiking, running, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. |
Madhavi Jere | School of Graduate Studies Representative | IMadhavi is a 3rd year MD/ PhD student, and the student representative for the school of graduate studies. She has been active in student programming as secretary and now President of the Pride club at Downstate, as well as through her work with the DINE community garden. She is also on the leadership board for the LGBTQIA+ healthcare pathway. In this current UC role, she hopes to voice graduate student concerns and to serve as a bridge between the COM and the school of graduate studies. She is also interested in promoting equity in higher education and hopes to leverage her roles to help achieve this within the research community at Downstate. In her free time, she enjoys painting, kickboxing and exploring food in nyc. |
Dhruti Patel | School of Public Health Representative | Dhruti Patel is an international student pursuing her degree in the School of Public Health, with a keen interest in cancer epidemiology and research, and aspires to pursue a residency in radiation oncology. She aims to be a voice for her fellow students in the School of Public Health and plans to advocate for initiatives that enhance the overall student experience and inclusive environment for all. She has a yin and yang preference in her taste of entertainment as she loves watching horror movies and k-dramas. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and cooking new dishes. |