Christie L. Comunale, Ph.D., CPA
Faculty Advisor
christie.comunale@stonybrook.edu
Christie L. Comunale, Ph.D., CPA is a Professor of Practice at Stony Brook University. Dr. Comunale joined Stony Brook University in 2013 after serving 14 years in LIU –Post’s School of Professional Accountancy where she held the rank of Professor of Accounting. Dr. Comunale is a licensed CPA in New York State with audit experience at Coopers & Lybrand in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Comunale earned her Ph.D. in accounting from the University of South Florida, and her MBA and BS in accounting from Loyola University Maryland.
Dr. Comunale is an award-winning researcher in the areas of auditor and taxpayer judgment and decision-making and the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit process. Dr. Comunale has presented her research at numerous American Accounting Association meetings and has published in competitive peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Comunale primarily teaches undergraduate Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I and II, and graduate Advanced Accounting. She has received numerous teaching awards including Stony Brook University’s College of Business Outstanding MBA Instructor Award and Long Island University’s David Newton Award for excellent teaching.
Upon joining Stony Brook University, Dr. Comunale founded Stony Brook University’s Accounting Society and served as its advisor for 9 years. Since gaining AACSB accreditation in 2021, the College of Business is eligible to petition for a Beta Alpha Psi Chapter. Dr. Comunale is currently leading this effort and serves as faculty advisor to Stony Brook University’s petitioning chapter.
Matthew Jacob
President
matthew.d.jacob@stonybrook.edu
My name is Matthew Jacob, I am a junior majoring in Business Management and Economics with minors in Globalization Studies & International Relations, Political Science, and Sustainability Studies. I decided to join Beta Alpha Psi as I feel it is a great opportunity to help the College of Business grow. Beta Alpha Psi’s commitment to and involvement in the Stony Brook community is a big reason for my membership. The opportunities, resources, and other benefits provided by this club are incredible, and presenting them to College of Business students is my top priority. I am currently pre-law with my career goals leading me toward becoming a lawyer or governmental clerk. One piece of advice I have for students is to not be afraid to bust out of your shell, you never know who you’re going to meet.
Sameer Pochi
Vice President for Information Systems
My name is Sameer Pochi and I am a Senior at Stony Brook University. My major is Business management with a specialization in Finance and Information Systems engineering. I decided to join and help start BAP at Stony Brook University because I want to help provide resources for Accounting, Finance, and Information System students. This club won’t only Develop professional experience and build leadership skills but it’ll also build a relationship where I can get to know people and become a better teammate and leader. This club has allowed me to help give back to the community and guide/mentor other students to a successful future. My career aspiration is to have a career in either Management Consulting or Corporate Finance. One piece of advice I would give is don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to professionals in the business field who can serve as mentors.
Justin Pena
Vice President for Service and Reaching Out Activities
I am Justin Peña, your Vice President. I major in business management with a specialization in accounting. I chose to actively pursue my position on the board because I enjoy making meaningful connections with professionals. I also like to be a bridge for other people to make connections and get to experience different cultures, approaches, and outlooks. Being part of Beta Alpha Psi allows me to follow through on that passion. When I grow up I want to work in finance. I am looking at various opportunities but some I have in mind are investment banker, financial advisor, and financial analyst. I also want to attend business school in the future. My dream school is Wharton; but Stern, CBS, and HBS are all a close second. One piece of advice that has stuck with me and has led to continued success for me is the 5 P’s: proper preparation prevents poor performance. If you can incorporate that into your game plan you will be successful in any venture whether that be professional, academic, athletic, or personal. Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-peña/
Michael Muschitiello
Chief Financial Officer/Professional Organization Liaison
Michael.muschitiello@stonybrook.edu
My name is Michael Muschitiello, and I am a senior at Stony Brook majoring in Economics and minoring in Accounting. I joined Beta Alpha Psi because of the opportunities the organization gives the students in Finance and Accounting to speak with and learn from employers in the field. My experience as a pledge motivated me to get more involved with Beta Alpha Psi and join the board as CFO/Professional Organization Liaison to continue to create connections and learn from professionals, but also to contribute to the growth and success of BAP at SBU. My career aspirations involve working in the field of quantitative finance, including risk/portfolio management, or quantitative research. I really enjoy leveraging computer programs to work with data and optimize strategy. One piece of advice I have for my peers would be to improve yourself every day, even if only by a little, because small, consistent efforts compound greatly.
Ansa Zubair
Director of Reporting
My name is Ansa Zubair and I am a business management major with a minor in accounting. In Spring of 2024, I received an email asking students to apply for the BAP board. I had heard about BAP before and the various professional events they had been introducing to the student body. Further research led me to understand that this organization is one of the most prestigious business societies on campus, and they play a great role in forming long-lasting professional relationships between the student body and the foremost finance and accounting companies. This simple goal and mission statement drove me to become a part of BAP as the Director of Reporting. I hope to gain skills in each business jurisdiction so that I am able to work in any position. Whether it be an analyst or accountant, I want to gain marketable skills that guarantee my future anywhere. After my undergrad, I want to pursue my MBA in Accounting at Stony Brook and then either my CPA or CFA. I would also like to own a business one day. My one piece of advice to students is “Be comfortable being uncomfortable”. Be okay being by yourself and navigating your life all alone. Be okay with going to career fairs as a freshman. Be okay with networking with intimidating professionals. You never know where one simple interaction can lead you.
Emma Leiman
Director of Communication and Campus Relations
My name is Emma Leiman! I’m majoring in Business Management with a specialization in Finance. I decided to join the board of Beta Alpha Psi because I wanted to be a part of shaping this year’s events and outreach through the organization. I am very excited to be able to provide our members with unique opportunities to help them advance their future careers. My career aspiration is to have a career in either Corporate Finance or Investment Banking, where I am able to help businesses grow their portfolios. If I could give students one piece of advice, it would be to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you at Stony Brook University.