Our Council

COUNCIL CHAIR

Hi everyone! My name is Brina Patel, and I am a third-year Biology and Rhetoric and Writing double major from Houston, Texas. Within HSS, I serve as the Council Chair, where I act as a liaison between our Council and the Honors Center Administration, preside over our committees, and steer our program based on shared HSS values. Outside of HSS, I am involved at UT as the chair of the CNS Magazine (Catalyst) for the Natural Sciences Council, Social Chair for the Health Careers Mentorship Program (HCMP), and a member of Dell Med HLA and ALCSI. I am also currently an undergraduate lab assistant at Dell Medical School, while pursuing additional research both on and off campus and volunteering at St. David’s Medical Center. In my free time, I am currently earning my yoga teacher certification, running a nonprofit's Instagram, writing a book, running a small essay-editing business, and I love to attend concerts! .

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hey everyone! My name is Ananya Tirumala, and I am a fourth-year Neuroscience major from Austin, Texas pursuing minors in Health Communications, Social and Behavioral Science, and a certificate in BDP Children & Society. As Co-Chair of the Campus Communications Committee on HSS Council, I support initiatives that strengthen engagement across our community. Outside of HSS, I am involved with Texas Orange Jackets, Alpha Phi Sigma (pre-health honor society), Texas Design in Health, Dell Med HLA, and Research & Development in the Mental Health Initiative for South Asians. I also work as a peer mentor and conduct research in the BioBricks FRI stream. Additionally, I love to serve the community through volunteering at Dell Children's Medical Center CBCC and with Superhero Kids nonprofit as Student Liaison. In my free time, I enjoy painting, baking sweet treats, discovering new coffee shops, and unwinding with long walks in nature and sunset views!

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hi, my name is Nayon! I am a fourth-year Public Health Major on the Pre-PA track, from Trophy Club, TX. I serve on the HSS Council as Co-Chair of the Campus Communication Committee, helping to connect students within and beyond the HSS community. Apart from HSS, I am involved in the Brain Exercise Initiative org and am Co-President of the Texas Design in Health org in partnership with the DIH masters program at UT. I am also a research assistant at PPFCL in Human Development and Family Sciences, a medical assistant, and enjoy playing cello as part of an orchestra for patients and healthcare workers at the Dell Seton Medical Center. In my free time, I love exploring music, finding new cafes, taking pictures, painting wall decor, and thrifting!

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Harshita Musunuru, and I’m a second-year Public Health major from Dallas, TX, pursuing a certificate in Children & Society. Within HSS Council, I serve on the Campus Communication Committee. Outside of HSS, I’m involved with the Student Health Advisory Committee, Texas Healthy Habits, Last Writers, and volunteer with Hearts for the Homeless. Additionally, I'm a member of the Glow Worms FRI stream and work as a Clinical Research Coordinator for a clinical study. In my free time, I love taking Pilates and Lagree classes, going on long outdoor walks, reading, traveling, and attending concerts and stand-up comedy shows!

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Maidah Khan, and I'm a junior Public Health and Health & Society double major on the pre-med track. Within HSS council, I’m on the Campus Communications Committee (CCC), helping to build networks within and beyond HSS. Outside of HSS, I am an Emergency Room (ER) Tech, legislative intern with the Texas House of Representatives, hospice volunteer, president of Kappa Delta Nu (faith org), and on the Pit Stop health center staff at Camp Longhorn. I’m also involved in peer mentoring with the Bioactive Molecules FRI stream. In my free time, I love to paint pottery, go shopping, and crochet amigurumi animals!

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hey y’all! My name is Alejandro (Alex) Trejo, and I am a fourth-year Biology and Sociology double major from Laredo, TX, pursuing a Spanish for Medical Professionals certificate. Within HSS, I serve as Chair of the Community & Career Engagement Committee, where I help lead professional development programming, transfer student support, and community engagement initiatives. Outside of HSS, I am a member of the Dell Medical School Pre-Health Distinguished Scholars, KVRX 91.7 FM, and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I also conduct advanced research in Dr. Stovall’s lab, where I am working on developing a therapeutic for MASLD. Clinically, I work as a Rehab Nursing Technician, and through the Walker Fellowship healthcare cohort, I serve on the ESL team teaching health literacy to displaced immigrants and asylum seekers. In my free time, I love listening to and creating music, exploring Austin, and trying new food spots.

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Shreyas Sinha, and I’m a sophomore Biochemistry major with a minor in History from Houston, Texas. I serve on the Career, Community Engagement Committee. Outside of HSS, I’m certifying to become an EMT and I volunteer at St. David’s. I’m a member of Texas Quiz Bowl, Longhorn EMS, Longhorns Crushing Medical Debt, and the Aptamers FRI stream. In my free time, I love to play badminton, read history books, and hop on Siege with my friends.

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hi y'all! My name is Mi Tran, and I'm a second-year biochemistry and sociology major from Richardson, Texas. On HSS Council, I serve on the Community Career Engagement Committee. Outside of HSS, I'm involved in Delta Epsilon Mu (DEM), Texas Brain Exercise Initiative, volunteer at St. David's, Garza High School, and Foundation Communities, the Biobricks FRI stream, and work at a local Austin clinic. In my free time, I'm trying to be in my reading era, side-questing with friends, being an absolute foodie, going to concerts, knitting, and consuming all things TV(reality TV, kdramas, sitcoms, and more).

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Pratyush Aduri, and I am a rising sophomore in the Health Science Scholars program on the pre-med track. On the HSS Council, I am involved with the CCEC Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved in Camp Kesem, the Gray Lab, Students Care, and the BioBricks stream in FRI. In my free time, I love playing basketball, going to UT football games, trying new restaurants around Austin, and spending time with friends. I am always down to explore somewhere new or find a good place to eat!

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hello everyone! My name is Natalie Dam, and I am a third-year Biology major with a minor in Healthcare Reform and Innovation, from Houston, Texas. Within the HSS council, I serve on the social committee as chair, and I get to make awesome reels! Outside of council, I am involved in FRI as a Biobricks researcher and mentor, Voices of Equity as the Co-director of media and I am a JAMP scholar! When I am not involved in school I love to dance, find new coffee shops, and hang out with my friends!

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Daisy Moran, and I am a third-year Biology major pursuing a Certificate in Spanish for Health Professions on the pre-med track from San Antonio, TX! On the HSS Council, I serve on the Social Committee. Outside of HSS, I am a mentor in the DIY Diagnostics stream, a social media intern for Aflote, an upcoming Spanish research assistant for Project DUAL, a UGCA for the Originality in the Arts and Sciences UGS, and I have also worked seasonally as a medical assistant for a dermatology clinic. In my free time, I love watching new shows and movies, trying new sweet treats, and spending time with friends and family!

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Ismael Duran and I’m a third year Biology major with a Health Communication minor and Pre-Health Professions Certificate! I grew up in San Antonio and moved to a more rural town outside early in high school. I’m involved in Dell Med’s Prosody Magazine, am a JAMP Scholar, an officer for E+E’s Traditions Committee, and a mentor in the Aptamers FRI stream! In my free time I like to spend time with friends, my dog, and watch movies and TV.

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Yunseo Choi and I am a fourth year Biology major with a certificate in Pre-Health Professions on the pre-med track. On the HSS Council, I’m a part of the Special Projects Committee (SPC). Apart from HSS, I am a Kim Lab research assistant, Student Engineers Educating Kids mentor, Gen Chem Lab LA, and CNS honors student worker. In my free time, I love watching kdramas and thrillers, hanging out with my friends, eating yummy foods, playing piano, taking pics, and exploring cute places around Austin!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hey everyone! My name is Ashley Nieto, and I am a second-year Public Health major from Laredo, TX, pursuing a certificate in Healthcare Reform and Innovation on the pre-med track. Within HSS, I serve on the Special Projects Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved with Longhorn Baking, the Dell Medical School Pre-Health Distinguished Scholars Program, and the Walker Fellowship. I am also a member of the Urban Ecosystems FRI stream and volunteer as a tutor at Garza High School. In my free time, I enjoy going on runs, baking, organizing just about everything, and trying new sweet treats and açaí bowls around Austin!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Nikita Basappa, and I am from Cypress, Texas. I am second-year Biology major with a minor in Health Communications on the pre-med track. Within HSS council, I serve on the Special Projects Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved in the Microbe Hackers FRI stream, and I volunteer at Houston Methodist Hospital and the Houston Food Bank. In my free time, I love to play my flute, try different coffee shops with friends, and do fun arts and crafts!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hi!! My name is Tisha Dumrongthai, and I am a second year Biology major from Bangkok, Thailand. I am currently pursuing the Spanish for Medical Professions Certificate and am on the Pre-Medical track. On the HSS Council, I'm apart of the Special Projects Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved in Texas Sweethearts, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), and the Glow Worms FRI research stream. In my free time, I love exploring Austin, trying new foods and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends!

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Vedansh Patel, and I am a Junior Biology major from Houston, Texas. Within HSS, I am on the Volunteer Committee. Outside of HSS, I am a member of Longhorn EMS. I also participate in the Glow Worms FRI research stream and volunteer at Lirios Pediatrics. In my free time, I love to go on hikes, play cricket and badminton, and learn the electric guitar.

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Vivian Lee, and I am a second year Biology major from Houston, TX. Within HSS, I serve as a member on the Volunteer Committee, where I help maintain and find new volunteering opportunities for HSSers! On campus, I am involved in the Aptamers Stream as part of Freshman Research Initiative, Texas Global Medical Brigades where I traveled on a medical brigade to Panama, Brain Exercise Initiative, HealthMaze, and am a tutor for Garza HS. I love trying new cafes, going on walks, and going on fun sidequests in Austin!

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Hi y’all! My name is Tanisha Arya, and I am a second-year pre-medical student majoring in Public Health and minoring in American Sign Language. I’m from San Antonio, Texas, and I serve on the HSS Volunteer Committee, helping with coordination with other organizations for HSSers to volunteer with! Outside of HSS, I conduct research in the Aptamers FRI Lab and serve as the Founder and President of Every Child Project, President of TXMedstART, and Fundraising Lead for PIH Engage. I’m also involved with SHAC, tutor students at Garza Independence High School, and volunteer at Ascension Seton. In my free time, I love running, exploring new cafes, baking, and going on random side quests!