Council Members

Melissa Torbey
President, Health Sciences Student Council
HSSCPresident@salud.unm.edu

I'm a second-year medical student at the UNM School of Medicine. As the incoming student council president, some of my goals include planning networking events for HSC students that promote interconnectedness between programs, fundraising for the student food pantry, and creating more opportunities for community involvement. These opportunities are open to all, and I'm committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and heard. Outside of school, you will find me hiking, skiing, camping, or somewhere in ABQ with a live band. Feel free to ask questions about student council, school, or life! My email is HSSCPresident@salud.unm.edu and my personal is meltorbey@salud.unm.edu.

Julie Emeanuwa
Vice President, Health Sciences Student Council
HSSCVP@salud.unm.edu

My name is Julie Adanma Emeanuwa and I am a second-year medical student at the UNM School of Medicine. Previously I have served on the Heath Sciences Student Council since my first year as a MD program representative. Currently I am serving as a MD representative on the Graduate and Professional Student Association Council. I am also co-president of the UNM SOM Pediatric Interest Group (PIG). In my free time, I am learning to try new things such as skiing, hiking, Pilates, traveling, and making memories with family and friends along the way! A fun fact about me is that I grew up farming and selling at local Growers' markets! As the current HSSC vice-president, I hope to be an advocate for all HSSC students along with my duties as the VP. Please feel free to reach out to me at HSSCVP@salud.unm.edu with any questions or concerns!

Abigail Leszczynski
Vice President of Outreach, Health Sciences Student Council

I’m currently a third-year pharmacy student at the UNM College of Pharmacy. My initial interest in serving on the HSC Council stems from my experience as the president of my class. I’m eager to bring my professional experience to the table, not only to enhance my own growth by learning from other disciplines but also to contribute to the development of our programs as a whole. As the Vice President of Outreach, I’m focused on introducing engaging topics at each meeting and fostering stronger connections within our community by inviting professionals to share their expertise and experiences. Outside of my academic responsibilities, I enjoy working closely with the community through my internship, spending quality time with my cat, and staying active at a local climbing gym.

Brenna Baird
Secretary, Health Sciences Student Council
HSSCsecretary@salud.unm.edu

I am a 4th year PhD student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BSGP). I also serve as the graduate student representative on the graduate affairs committee for the college of pharmacy and department of pharmaceutical sciences. Aside from my studies in wildfire smoke and neuroinflammation, I am very invested in opportunities to represent my program and the health sciences campus. As your secretary, I am responsible for recording the minutes of each council meeting in order to create thoughtful discourse for each future gathering. I also compile the HSSC newsletter each semester, and this year I hope to broaden the engagement of the newsletter to each department on the HSC campus. My personal goal as HSSC secretary is to re-establish our DEI committee and ensure student voices are heard along this process. In my free time I like to mountain bike, knit, paint, and bug my cats. You can reach me at HSSCSecretary@salud.unm.edu or my personal email bebaird@salud.unm.edu. Please reach out with any questions or with anything you’d like to include in the newsletter!