Secretariat Biographies

Sarah Zauner

Secretary-General

Sarah is an Economics and Foreign Affairs major hailing from Eugene, Oregon. At the University of Virginia her regions of study include the Middle East and East Asia. Last summer she was fortunate enough to take her studies to the field in the province of Kham, China. In addition to her travels, Sarah is actively involved in the International Relations Organization, the National Park Conservation Administration, the Roosevelt Institution, Lacrosse, and the Wilson Journal of International Affairs. She participated in Model UN for four years in high school and has continued her involvement at UVA as both a chair and as a delegate. Sarah was the USG for Staff of VAMUN XXVII and is thrilled to continue her work with VAMUN as Secretary General. She is inexplicably excited to share her passion for Model UN with the delegates and sponsors of VAMUN XXVIII.

Mary Carter

Undersecretary General for Delegations

Mary is a third year at the University of Virginia majoring in Foreign Affairs and African Studies. She attended high school in Virginia Beach but has lived all over the United States as a result of being in a military family. She participated in Model UN in both high school and college and is thrilled to have the experience of working on VAMUN Secretariat. She encourages sponsors to contact her with any questions.

Brian Wolin

Undersecretary General for Committees

Brian is a second year at the University harking from Williamsburg, Virginia. He is still debating possible majors, but is leaning towards a physics major concentrating in research or medicine. Brian was involved in Model UN all throughout high school and is delighted to be continuing the activity into college. He worked with last year’s VAMUN on the tetris crisis and is excited to be in charge of committees for VAMUN XXVIII. Aside from being an active member in the International Relations Organization, Brian is involved in Judo and intramural sports. If you have any questions or concerns regarding committees or topics, feel free to e-mail him.

Betsy Graves

Undersecretary General for Staff

Betsy Graves is very excited to be helping out on the VAMUN secretariat this year. Betsy is working on a double major in English and Foreign Affairs, and plans to study abroad extensively. In addition to her duties in IRO, Betsy writes for the Cavalier Daily, volunteers as an ESL tutor, participates in Chi Alpha, and is a trumpet player in the UVA Rotunda Brass Quartet. She is from Roanoke, VA, and is a member of the Class of 2011.

Jiaxi Yang

Undersecretary General for Administration

Jiaxi Yang is a first year Pre-Commerce student here at UVA. Apart from keeping a rigorous course schedule, he participates in a variety of extracurricular activities and internship programs. Of course, the International Relations Organization plays an indispensable part of his campus life. In addition to serving on tetris crisis staff for VAMUN, he's had previous Model United Nations experiences at the University level conferences hosted by Yale and Princeton. Jiaxi is excited to welcome the outstanding delegates to Mr. Jefferson's University come November.

Anna Coogan

Undersecretary General for Business and Public Relations

Anna is a second year at the University of Virginia where she is considering pursuing either a History or Foreign Affairs major. She participated in her high school's Model UN team for four years in Arlington, VA, and has been involved with IRO here at UVA since her first year. She is excited to be on this years’ VAMUN secretariat and is looking forward to spending a great weekend tackling the world's most pressing problems in committee.

Emma King

Undersecretary General for Logistics

Emma is a third year from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania majoring in Foreign Affairs and planning a career in law. She discovered Model UN as a way to get off campus while at boarding school in Massachusetts, and has been active in competing and staffing at conferences ever since. This is her first time serving on a Secretariat, and she looks forward to helping VAMUN delegates have an unforgettable weekend.