PJ Albenice – Secretary General
PJ Albenice is a third year Chemistry major and Mathematics minor at the University of Georgia. This is his third year on the team and 7th year doing Model UN. Previously he was the Director-General of UGA Model UN. PJ works in the Salguero Research Group where his focus is on Materials Science for metal alloys. In his free time PJ enjoys cooking and hanging out with his teammates. Go Dawgs!
Julia O’Neal – Head Delegate
Julia O’Neal is a fourth year double major in International Affairs and French with a minor in Political Science. She gained a passion for politics through doing Model UN at her high school in Roswell, GA. This is her 10th year doing Model UN. Besides her role on the Model UN team, Julia is the Beauty Editor for Rouge Magazine, does makeup for the Student Merchandising Association, Fashion Design Student Association, and the UGA Agency, and has some involvement in Greek life. When she’s not studying in the main library, you can find her doing fun makeup looks, painting, cooking, listening to Glass Animals, or hanging out with her roommates and their two cats.
Ava Byfield – Director General
Ava Byfield is a fourth-year pre-law student majoring in International Affairs with two law minors. Her academic interests center on humanitarian rights, human rights, and copyright. In her free time, Ava enjoys playing volleyball, creative writing, and anything to do with food. As trivia, Ava has no food allergies because she isn’t weak and can identify (almost) any bird on the mainland United States.
Thya Gutta – DAWGMUN Conference Director
Thya Gutta is a second year double majoring in International Affairs and Public Relations with a minor in French. This is her second year in Model UN and she is super excited for the year ahead. Outside of MUN, she’s involved in Student Government and the Loch Johnson Society. She also works as a barista at Tate Starbucks and does research through CURO. With the little free time she has, she likes to read, paint and find new music.
Justin Wells – UGAMUNC Conference Director
Justin Wells is a second-year majoring in Astrophysics. This is his second year on the UGA team, although he has been doing MUN for six years. Outside of MUN he enjoys cooking, baking, and doing anything outdoors. He also works at the Jittery Joe’s in the Science Library, where he thoroughly enjoys making people listen to his playlist and telling people that vanilla chai is better than spiced chai.
Houston Jones – Finance Director
Houston Jones is a fourth year double majoring in Economics and International Affairs. His academic interests and research focus on economic development, specifically with a focus on South and Southeast Asia. When he isn’t budgeting for the team, he loves watching the Atlanta Braves and Hawks, traveling the world, and cooking fun dishes.
Becca Golden – Collegiate Conference Director
Becca Golden is a second-year majoring in Environmental Economics and Management with a minor in Computer Science. This is her second year in Model UN and she is most excited to take part in the different types of crisis committees organized this year. As busy as she is, you can find her playing volleyball with friends, gardening, and attending concerts! She will happily give you some song recommendations by Hozier, the Brummies, and Joji if you’re ever in need.
Carson Ankeny – Outreach Director
Carson Ankeny is a third-year majoring in Political Science and Housing Management & Policy. This is his third year on the team, and seventh year doing MUN overall. When they aren’t updating the website or running the Instagram, Carson enjoys thrifting for bizarre outfits, watching obscure foreign films, and making Spotify playlists tailored to hyper-specific vibes.
Nicole Cortes – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair
Nicole Cortes is a sophomore majoring in International Affairs with a minor in Portuguese, and a certificate in Sustainability. Outside of the classroom she loves getting a cup of coffee with friends, thrifting, and watching documentaries. She is excited about being the team’s DEI chair and cannot wait to see what this year has in store!