How We Started
We are a passionate group of undergraduate students, driven by a powerful cause: organ donation advocacy. In 2019 when Chirag Ram and Candice Medina, decided to challenge the notion that students couldn't make a significant impact on society. Fueled by this belief, they embarked on a mission to prove that youthful determination knows no bounds.
Board members; Chirag Ram and Candice Medina
Our Growth
From those early days, we've grown beyond our NYU origins, now encompassing a diverse array of students from universities across the country. Our shared dedication to the cause of organ donation advocacy unites us, transcending geographical boundaries and educational backgrounds. Today, ODAC has grown to span three branches in states across the nation: New York, Tennessee, and Nebraska.
New York Branch runs tabling event in Washington Square Park
Our Next Steps
Our vision extends far beyond campus borders. We are committed to connecting with youth nationwide, engaging in conversations, and dispelling harmful myths surrounding organ donation. Our aim is clear: to foster understanding, provide accurate information, and ultimately create a society where organ donation is seen as the fairest and most equitable system.
ODAC Tennessee hosts a transplant trivia night
Our Current Branches
Meet Our Board of Directors
Chirag is a recent graduate of NYU and is currently studying to be a physician at Vanderbilt’s medical school. He has been involved in organ transplantation research for over five years and is also a published author in the field. Organ transplantation and organ donation are some of his biggest passions, and he hopes to see the world join together for this wonderful cause.
Alex Fraser joined ODAC in 2020 as one of its first members and served as executive director of its New York branch from 2022 to 2023. A lifelong New Yorker, Alex is passionate about community organizing and has worked to improve services and empower others through education and awareness initiatives in his hometown. In addition to his work with ODAC, Alex has experience in the governmental and political sectors and currently serves as a chief of staff in the New York State Assembly. He holds a BA from McGill University.
Diya is a current MPH student at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health studying infectious disease epidemiology. She is a recent graduate of NYU where she studied global public health, biology, and chemistry. Diya joined ODAC in January 2021 and hopes to work towards addressing unfair prioritization practices within the organ transplant allocation program to make the system more equitable for disenfranchised groups that suffer from disproportionately lower transplantation rates.
Bio coming soon!