Our Staff | Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

David Cohen, MD
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
As Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Cohen provides overall leadership for the Office of Student Affairs’ operations, which includes academic and career advising, registration and records, financial aid, and student organizations and activities. Most students who struggle with academic issues, specialty selection or personal issues seek Dr. Cohen’s advice. If he is unable to help you, he will direct you to those who can.

Mary Jean Allen, MS
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
NBME Executive Chief Proctor
Mary Jean Allen is known to most students beginning with interview day, when she presents financial information on attending medical school. Ms. Allen manages all aspects of financial aid processing for entering and continuing medical students. As Executive Chief Proctor for the NBME exams, she manages all customized exams in Phase I and shelf exams in Phase II. Ms. Allen determines and monitors RSOM student health policy requirements and additional requirements for clinical coursework. She oversees several RSOM annual events, most notably the May Convocation and August Orientation.

Jedan Phillips, MD
Associate Dean, Minority Student Affairs, Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging
In his role as Associate Dean for Minority Student Affairs, Dr. Phillips is part of the leadership of the Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging which deals with all facets of student life at the Renaissance School of Medicine. Dr. Phillips' goal is to support the health and wellbeing of all students at the school. This includes leading diversity efforts that advance the mission of the RSOM, and working with students to develop and carry out initiatives that contribute to the achievement of diversity goals. He also contributes to the recruitment, retention and career goals of underrepresented student groups.

Richard Iuli, PhD
Medical Education Specialist
Director, Pathways to Success
Within the Office of Student Affairs, Dr. Iuli directs Pathways to Success (P2S), a comprehensive co-curricular program that integrates academic and career advising, peer feedback and self-assessment, professional identity formation and student wellness throughout all three phases of the LEARN curriculum. In addition to being a member of the Student Affairs team, he is also a member of the Curricular Affairs team. Dr. Iuli serves as Course Director for the Transition to Medical and Dental School course and Co-Director for the Transition to Clinical Care course.

Caroline Lazzaruolo
Registrar
As Registrar for the School of Medicine, Ms. Lazzaruolo is in charge of maintaining the academic records for our current MD students and MD alumni. She handles medical school enrollment and course scheduling for students throughout their time in medical school. The Registrar’s office also handles transcript requests, USMLE certifications, medical licensure processing and medical school verifications, among other academic support services.

Gina Marandino-Robinson
Instructional Design/Technology Specialist
Gina Marandino-Robinson is an Instructional Design and Technology Specialist for Undergraduate Medical Education. In this capacity, she works with course directors and other instructors on course design and helps them to integrate sound educational pedagogy and emerging instructional technologies into their courses. Gina reviews courses and observes instructors to determine how to best enhance each course. She also supports student use of Echo360 and ExamSoft.

Linda DeMotta, MS
Success Coach / Learning Specialist
Linda De Motta provides learning and academic support services and programs to medical students at throughout their undergraduate medical education training. She has over 25 years' experience teaching, tutoring and coaching students. Although the demands of medical school can be overwhelming, the effort to negotiate these demands can bring great rewards. Ms. DeMotta works to ensure that all RSOM students enjoy success in their academic pursuits and reap the greatest possible rewards from their efforts.

Candace Chabza
Success Coach / Learning Specialist
As a dedicated Success Coach, Candace is passionate about providing individualized academic support services and interactive programs for all RSOM students. Success Coaching offers medical students the opportunity to discuss strategies to enhance academic performance and maintain overall wellness. Coaching topics include balance, transition, time management, test-taking and preparation, effective study strategies, schedules, resources and more. Candace works collaboratively with each student to customize a holistic success plan that is unique to their personal experience and educational goals.

Anita Henninger
Office Manager
Anita Henninger serves as the Office Manager of the RSOM Deans’ Office. She also supports RSOM student clubs, organizations and activities, student travel, financial aid and the two Transition courses, Transition to Medical School and Transition to Clinical Care. Ms. Henninger coordinates special events, such as the White Coat Ceremony, Match Day and Graduation. She also monitors student compliance with annual health requirements and all training.

Jeanine Fazzini
Administrative Assistant
Jeanine Fazzini provides administrative support to the Registrar’s Office, processing RSOM student requests for letters of good standing, enrollment verification, jury duty letters, official and unofficial transcripts, and OSAP forms. Ms. Fazzini also handles in-school deferments, graduation verifications, VSLO and away electives, affiliation agreements, medical education verification for graduated students and anything requiring the Registrar’s signature.

Francine Moore
Administrative Assistant
Francine provides administrative support to the Office of Student Affairs and is the Chief Proctor for NBME exams, which includes scheduling exams and coordinating proctors.

Priscila Tapia
Administrative Assistant
Priscila Tapia assists the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging and VSLO for visiting medical students. In addition, Priscila supports the faculty committees.