Our Council

COUNCIL CHAIR

Hi! My name is Andrea Montenegro Polanco, and I am a fourth-year pre-med  Biology major with a certificate in Spanish for Medical Professions. As Council Chair, I act as a liaison between our Council and Honors Center Admin, preside over our Committees, and steer our program based on our shared HSS values. On campus, I am a Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator and member of Student Expanding American Literacy (SEAL). I also work as a Vision Therapist at the Optometry for Vision Therapy and as an English tutor for international students. I am a part of the Biobricks FRI stream, where I have conducted independent research as a fellowship recipient and where I currently mentor.  In my free time, I love lifting/running, attending concerts, and serving as the Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and On-Boarding Coordinator at Lirios Pediatrics. 

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Carolyn Herman, and I am a fourth-year neuroscience major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Within HSS, I am chair of the Campus Communication Committee. Outside of HSS, I am an Instructor for Texas Ballet, Director of Social Awareness for Delta Gamma Sorority, and member of the student organizations Women in Medicine and Longhorn Dance Company. I also love to serve the community through volunteering at Dell Children’s Medical Center and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This past year, I was an RA at Scottish Rite Dormitory and peer mentor for the FRI stream BioProspecting, and this upcoming year, I am so excited to be serving as a UGCA! In my free time, I like to explore restaurants around Austin, kayak on Lady Bird Lake, dance, and read!

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hey y’all! My name is Inaya Momin, and I’m a fourth-year public health major pursuing a certificate in Spanish for Medical Professions and Business Spanish as well as a minor in Health Communications. Within HSS council, I’m on the Campus Communications Committee (CCC), helping to build networks within and beyond HSS. Outside of HSS, I volunteer with Crisis Text Line and as an online tutor. I’m also involved in peer mentoring with the Bioactive Molecules FRI stream, conducting research on health disparities at the Ascension Seton emergency department, and leading initiatives as part of the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). I also work part-time as a health communication student assistant at the Longhorn Wellness Center (LWC) and as an EMT. In my free time, I love to read, draw, crochet, and listen to music!

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Nayon Lee, and I am a third year Public Health Major. I am from the Dallas-Fort Worth area in TX. I serve on the Campus Communication Committee in the HSS Council. Apart from HSS, I am involved in the org Brain Exercise Initiative (BEI), Student Health Advisory Committee, volunteering at Dell Seton, and the DIY Diagnostics FRI Stream. I am also in a volunteer ensemble where I enjoy playing the cello for hospital patients.  In my free time, I love to listen to music, play the cello, try new cafes, thrift, and do any type of art!

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Ananya Tirumala and I am a junior Neuroscience major pursuing a Healthcare Reform and Innovation minor on the pre-med track. Within HSS council, I serve on the Campus Communication Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved with Alpha Phi Sigma (pre-health honor society), the Student Health Advisory Committee, and am part of the Research and Development committee within the Mental Health Initiative for South Asians where I investigate mental health barriers in cultural populations. Additionally, I perform independent research in the BioBricks FRI stream. I am also passionate about volunteering within the community through Dells Children's Medical Center. In my free time, I love to paint, make all sorts of crafts, go for runs, and explore the Austin outdoors!

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hello! My name is Yuni Lee, and I am a fourth-year pre-medical student serving on the Career Engagement Committee within HSS Council, helping to create opportunities for professional development and connections. I’m majoring in Neuroscience and pursuing a minor in Statistics and Data Sciences. Outside of HSS, I enjoy working with the Austin community as a volunteer for the Garza Independence High School tutoring program and as an officer for Music United, a student organization providing free music lessons to kids with disabilities and financial needs. I’m also involved with research in the Fenno Lab at Dell Medical School and the Biodiversity Discovery Freshman Research Initiative stream, with an interest in the genetic underpinnings of various psychiatric disorders, as well as convergent evolution, respectively. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, working towards running goals, and eating good food!

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hi y’all! My name is Brina Patel, and I am a freshman from Missouri City, TX, majoring in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. On the HSS Council, I’m part of the Community Career Engagement Committee (CCEC). Outside of HSS, I’m involved in the Natural Sciences Council, Texas Taekwondo, Global Medical Training, LEMS, and I volunteer at St. David’s Hospital. In my free time, I love writing, listening to music, going to concerts, and reading!

COMMUNITY CAREER ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Hey everyone! My name is Elizabeth Wu, and I am a fourth-year Biology major with a Healthcare Reform and Innovation Minor on the pre-med track. On the HSS Council, I’m part of the Community Career Engagement Committee (CEC). Outside of HSS, I am involved in the Eberhart Lab, Camp Kesem, Austin Speech Labs, and Dell Med HLA. I am also the Co-Founder and Co-President of Austin STEM Buddies. I absolutely love eating food, baking, playing all the NYT games, and shopping + couponing. Catch me trying new Austin restaurants, playing pickleball, and crocheting amigurumi animals in my free time! 

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Adviti Pilla and I am a fourth-year Pre-Med Neuroscience major with a minor in Business Healthcare Reform & Innovation and Social Behavioral Sciences. Within HSS council, I serve as Chair of the Social Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved with the American Student Medical Association and Women in Medicine. I currently work as a PCT at an Internal Medicine practice and as a swim coach. I am also a mentor in the Aptamer Research lab where I am working on my independent project about Alzheimer’s. In my free time, I love reading, going to concerts, and exploring Austin!

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hey there! I’m Elena and I’m a senior from Houston Texas!! I am a biology major on the pre-med track and hope to specialize in some sort of internal medicine specialty. I serve on the Social Committee for HSS. I am a mentor in the Aptamer lab as a part of the Freshman Research Initiative, and a tutor at Garza High School!! Outside of class, I enjoy watching TV, going out to eat with friends, and crafts! I love live music and I listen to all different genres of music.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hey y’all! My name is Alejandro (Alex) Trejo, and I am a third-year Biology major from Laredo, TX double majoring in Sociology and pursuing a Spanish for Medical Professionals certificate. Within HSS, I serve on the Social Committee. Outside of HSS, I am a member of the Dell Medical School Pre-Health Diversity Scholars, I write for local papers/magazines, and play in my local wind symphony as a percussionist. I am also a volunteer within the University Health System, and am a current research fellow within my FRI lab, the Aptamer Stream, where I am working toward a therapeutic against hepatic steatosis. In my free time, I love listening to, playing, and creating all types of music, as well as running and trying out new brunch spots in Austin!

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Hello everyone! My name is Natalie Dam, and I am a second-year Biology major from Houston, Texas. Within the HSS council, I serve on the social committee. Outside of the council, I am currently involved in Global Medical Training (GMT) and the Filipino Student Association (FSA). In my free time, I love dancing, listening to music, hanging out with my friends, and trying anything new! I am so excited to continue exploring what Austin offers, so don't be afraid to say hi!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hi everyone! My name is Heather Gan and I’m a senior from Houston, Texas, serving on the Special Projects Committee of HSS Council. I’m a pre-med student majoring in Biology with a minor in Health Communications. Outside of HSS, I’m involved in UNICEF, the Health Careers Mentorship Program (HCMP), and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), where I also dance with Entropy. I conduct research in the Lu Lab at UT, where I work on aptamer selection for biosensors that detect antipsychotic drugs used in treating schizophrenia. I’m a volunteer with Suncrest Hospice and tutor violin through Music United. In my free time, I love reading, going to concerts, and exploring Austin’s food and music scene with friends!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hey y’all! My name is Zeeyad Anwar, and I am a sophomore neuroscience major from Plano, TX on the pre-med track. Within HSS, I serve on the Special Projects Committee. Outside of HSS, I am a writer for the Daily Texan, Co-Leadership Chair of Recruitment and Retention for the Senate of College Councils, and a member of Delta Epsilon Meu (a pre-health honors society). I am also a volunteer for Baylor Scott and White Hospital, and am a current research fellow for my FRI lab, Behavioral Neuroscience. In my free time, I love listening to music and exploring Austin!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Joy Ting, and I am a fourth year Biology major with an Applied Statistical Modeling Certificate on the pre-medical track from Dallas, TX. On the HSS council, I serve on the Special Projects Committee. Outside of HSS, I am involved with Music United, Longhorn EMS, and StudentsCare through volunteering at Dell Children’s. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, making arts and crafts, listening to music, and spending time with my friends! 

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hey y’all! My name is Jeremiah Cano and my hometown is Harlingen, Texas. I am a fourth-year pre-med student majoring in Biology with a minor in Health Communications. Currently, I serve on the Special Projects Committee within the HSS Council. Beyond my council duties, I am involved with the Texas Brain Exercise Initiative (BEI) and participate in the Urban Ecosystems FRI Stream. In my free time, I enjoy keeping up with all things UT sports and spending quality time with friends!

SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Hi! My name is Yunseo Choi and I am a third year pre-med student from Cypress, Texas, serving on the Special Projects Committee of HSS. I am a biology major pursuing certificates in Pre-Health Professions and Spanish for Medical Professions. Apart from HSS, I am a Student Engineers Educating Kids mentor, Gen Chem Lab LA, Austin Speech Labs volunteer, HCA Houston Healthcare volunteer and CNS honors student worker. In my free time, I love watching kdramas and thrillers, hanging out with my friends, playing piano, taking pics, and exploring cute places around Austin!

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

Hello! My name is Mindy, and I’m a fourth-year Biology major with a minor in business originally from Plano, TX. In the HSS Council, I am part of the Volunteer Committee. Besides HSS, I am also part of Music United, Crochet 4 a Cause, Students Care, and volunteer at Lirios Pediatrics. In my free time, I love to crochet, do other arts and crafts, and spend time with friends. 

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

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