Graduate Student Advisory Board
College of Business Graduate Student Advisory Board
The Student Voice Driving Change and Innovation
Shaping New Initiatives with Student Input
The Dean's College of Business Graduate Student Advisory Board provides a forum for MBA and MS students in the College of Business to provide feedback to the Dean and other administrators in the College of Business. This is accomplished through ongoing meetings and open dialogue. The information provided by these students assists in driving change and they act as a sounding board for new initiatives.
Learn more about the Graduate Student advisory board members below.
MBA Programs
Peter Caravousanos
Peter Caravousanos is currently a student in the MBA program with a concentration in operations analytics. He received his BS in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology and has since developed as a cross disciplined, dexterous strategic leader with multiple professional designations and certifications including NYS Registered Architect (RA), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), and a Project Management Professional (PMP) with approximately 30 years’ experience in project / program delivery. Translating mission and strategy into teams, and outcomes has led to numerous, prominent positions and leadership assignments throughout his career. Peter brings to the Dean’s Advisory Board his diversity of thought, innovation, strategic creativity, and willingness to facilitate engagement across student body and the School of Business toward optimized initiatives, planning and outcomes.
Natalia Fernandez
Natalia graduated from Stony Brook University in 2021 with her BS in Business Management with specializations in marketing and operations management. She is currently a part time MBA student and works as an estate manager. Throughout her diverse career she has had the opportunity to experience different industries. She is fortunate enough to be trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Natalia loves to travel and learn about different cultures around the world. Natalia is an avid learner and hopes to experience different opportunities throughout her career that can uplift communities. In her free time she enjoys music and visual arts. Her newest endeavor is learning how to play the ukulele.
James Ferraiuolo
James is an MBA student who currently work at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) as an Environmental Technician. His responsibilities in this role include coordination with contractors to ensure the completion of routine sample collection, review and revision of standard operating procedures, and collection of environmental samples to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory standards. Prior to BNL, he worked at J.R. Holzamer P.E., LLC (JRH) as an Environmental Scientist involved in aspects of project management. He also worked for the Town of Babylon as an Environmental GIS Analyst where he was responsible for management of spatial data for multiple infrastructure projects. At each step of his career, he has been exposed to multiple leadership opportunities. This exposure is what prompted him to apply for the MBA program at SBU. Furthermore, he feels that being an active and dedicated member of the Dean's Advisory Board will allow him to further cultivate his passion for leadership, and ultimately, allow his to grow as a leader.
Kayla Yousefzadeh
Kayla is a full time student in the MBA program. Kayla graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2023 with her Bachelors in Business Management with specializations in Accounting and Marketing, and a Minor in Communications and Innovation. While an undergrad at Stony Brook University, Kayla was involved in many organizations around campus. Kayla served on the Dean’s College of Business Undergraduate Student Advisory Board, she was the President of the Jewish Student Association, and a teaching assistant for various undergraduate business courses. This past summer Kayla was fortunate enough to intern with the Finance Department at Effy Jewelry, and she cannot wait to put what she learned to use when she graduates with her MBA in May of 2024. In her free time, Kayla enjoys playing tennis, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants!
Accounting Programs
Sirisha “Siri” Chavatapalem
Sirisha “Siri” Chavatapalem is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting & Analytics program at
Stony Brook University. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce in India and completed
the Intermediate level of Chartered Accountancy (CA Inter) with the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India. With a strong academic foundation in commerce, she is skilled
in accounting principles, auditing, and financial reporting, and is currently preparing
for the CPA certification. Siri is committed to accuracy, problem-solving, and applying
her knowledge to advance in the accounting profession.
HANNA HARRIS
Hanna Harris is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics (MSAA) program at Stony Brook University, expecting to graduate in December 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of Central Florida. Hanna is currently pursuing CPA eligibility and has developed experience in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and data analysis. She is especially interested in using accounting and analytics to support higher education, with plans to potentially pursue a Ph.D. and contribute to academic research and teaching at the college level.
Theodora Mertiri
Theodora Mertiri is an aspiring Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a full-time Master’s student
in Accounting and Analytics at Stony Brook University. She previously earned her BS
in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
She currently serves as the Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) Influencer, managing the organization’s
social media, and is an active member of Women in Business. She speaks English, Albanian,
Greek, Spanish, and a bit of French. Outside of academics, she enjoys going to the
gym, listening to music, and spending time with her family. Theodora is passionate
about building a successful career in accounting and is committed to fostering leadership,
community, and professional growth.
ccessful career in accounting and is committed to fostering leadership, community,
and professional growth.
Gabriel Zimmer
Gabriel Zimmer is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting & Analytics program
at Stony Brook University, where he also earned his BS in Business Management in 2023.
With over a decade of leadership in hospitality operations, he has extensive experience
in financial reconciliation, budgeting, variance analysis, and team management. An
active member of Beta Alpha Psi and the National Society of Leadership and Success,
Gabriel is preparing for the CPA exam and hopes to launch a private business combining
accounting consulting, forensic services, and his passion for hospitality. In his
free time, he enjoys traveling, archery, and bartending for events.
MS in Finance
Shaunakh Raj
Shaunakh Raj is currently pursuing his MS in Finance at Stony Brook University. He
earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance in the UK, where he took
on leadership roles in various societies and clubs, including founding the Global
Advisory and Consulting Society. His professional experience includes internships
in Investment Management and Mortgage Operations. Building on his academic background
and internship experiences, Shaunakh aims to develop a career in banking. Beyond academics
and professional pursuits, he is passionate about sports and reading.
Aman Tulsyan
Aman Tulsyan is is currently pursuing his MS in Finance at Stony Brook University. He has a specific interest in Mergers & Acquisitions and Portfolio Management. Aman is also a CFA Level I candidate, driven by a strong passion for finance and capital markets. In his free time, Aman enjoys playing soccer and ping pong, as well as exploring investment opportunities while managing his family’s portfolio.