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Model United Nations

Marian University Model United Nations empowers students to become global citizens, fostering leadership, diplomacy, and critical thinking through simulations of international policymaking.

Marian University Model United Nations is a dynamic and growing program dedicated to developing globally minded leaders through diplomacy, research, and debate. Since our founding, we have hosted three Model UN conferences for high school and middle school students, providing younger delegates with hands-on experience in international affairs. Our next MU-MUN conference is scheduled for Spring 2026.

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Meet the team

In addition to hosting conferences, Marian MUN also maintains a competitive travel team. Our delegates have represented Marian University across the world in Alaska, Germany, Morocco, and New York, with our next international trip planned for Italy in Spring 2026. We are proud to say that our team has won awards at every conference we’ve attended, including Best Delegate, Distinguished Delegation, and Best Diplomacy.

Portrait of Cristina Avello

Cristina Avello

Junior • Biology Major

Pediatrics • Public Health

My name is Cristina Avello, and I am a junior Biology major. I joined Model UN because I believe that meaningful progress can be achieved when science and humanities work together to build a more equitable and environmentally stable future. As someone who hopes to become a pediatrician, I’m passionate about protecting children’s health, especially through my work in lead-based research and lead prevention education. Model UN gives me a space to connect global policy with the real-world issues I care about, growing into the kind of leader I one day hope to be.

Portrait of Jessie Castetter

Jessie Castetter

Junior • Biology Major

Global Health • Equity

I’m Jessie Castetter, a junior Biology major here at Marian University. Model UN has broadened my understanding of global issues and shown me how policymakers influence the future we all share. As a future healthcare professional, I want to be as well-rounded as possible so I can truly connect with my patients and provide the most equitable care I can. Model UN has not only strengthened my awareness of international challenges, but also given me the chance to travel, experience diverse cultures, and grow both personally and professionally.

Portrait of Kaitlyn McNamee

Kaitlyn McNamee

Senior • English Major, Business Minor

Human Rights • Law

Hello! My name is Kaitlyn McNamee. I am a senior English Major and Business Minor here at Marian University, looking to go into law in the future. Model United Nations is one of my favorite programs here at Marian as it has given me so many opportunities to grow as a student, as a professional, and as a person. With Model UN, I have been able to become informed on a diverse range of topics, address unique challenges, connect with students from around the world, craft resolutions, improve my public speaking and debate skills, and so much more. I am especially passionate about efforts to enforce human rights and look forward to continuing to be a part of Model UN for the entirety of my college career.

Portrait of Ayanna Wash

Ayanna Wash

Junior • Biology & Chemistry

Healthcare • Leadership

Hello! My name is Ayanna Wash. I am a junior in Biology and Chemistry at Marian University, looking to become a surgeon or doctor in the future. I joined Model UN to understand global healthcare and to learn how to be a more active part of building a better future. Joining Model UN has helped me find a community of others that are passionate about helping others and improving the world as I am. It has given me a chance to build my confidence to speak up and to travel and experience different cultures and perspectives I would have otherwise never encountered. It is my hope that these experiences will help me be the best doctor I can possibly be for my patients. I am excited to continue being a part of Model UN and to grow even more.

Portrait of Ava Cothern

Ava Cothern

Junior • Chemistry Major

Medicine • Global Awareness

My name is Ava Cothern, and I am a junior Chemistry major pursuing a career in medicine. I originally joined Model UN last year simply hoping to try something new and gain a better understanding of the complex world around me. It has quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience because I have gained communication, leadership, and diplomacy skills while being able to grow with my team. Through conferences and interactions with students from around the world, I have gained exposure to different cultures and viewpoints that have changed how I view the world. I know the skills and experiences I have gained from Model UN will be invaluable in my further development and future medical career. I am excited to continue growing within Model UN and contribute to a team that is passionate about learning and global awareness.

Portrait of Lucas Schuster

Lucas Schuster

Sophomore • Biology & Global Studies

Mycology • Env. Policy

Hey! My name is Lucas Schuster. I am a second-year Biology and Global Studies student here at Marian University. My main goal is to eventually become a researcher in the field of mycology and uncover all the unknown mysteries about fungi — but I also have an interest in environmental policy which may shape my course of action in the following years. I am very eager to engage with Model UN here at Marian University to further my understanding of the issues we all face locally and globally, as well as growing into a more well-rounded and compassionate leader in the ever-changing world we find ourselves in today.

Portrait of Emily Hernandez

Emily Hernandez

Sophomore • Public Health & Psychology

Community • Advocacy

Hello, my name is Emily Hernandez, and I am a second-year student majoring in Public Health and Psychology. Being part of MUN has deepened my understanding of global collaboration and the power of unity. It has shown me how countries can work together to create meaningful change. My experiences and cultural background have helped me understand how to better support children, families, and minority communities, especially those new to this country. I care deeply about connecting with others and making a lasting impact through empathy, advocacy, and action.

Portrait of Aubrey Griffin

Aubrey Griffin

Sophomore • Chemistry, Pre-Medicine

Global Health • Leadership

Hello! My name is Aubrey Griffin. I am a sophomore majoring in chemistry on the pre-medicine pathway with minors in global and ministry studies in the hopes of becoming a physician scientist. Being a part of Marian University’s Model United Nations Team has allowed me to further develop my communication and diplomacy skills by gaining confidence in my integrity and ability to discuss my values and beliefs, while developing a global perspective to care for my community, whether local or global. Through Model UN, I have been inspired to pursue global healthcare through Doctors Without Borders and hope to pursue local political leadership to address the various issues facing my community, both global and local.

Portrait of Jaidyn Parsley

Jaidyn Parsley

Junior • Biology Major

Healthcare Systems • Advocacy

My name is Jaidyn Parsley, and I am a junior Biology major pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. I joined Model UN to better understand how global policy shapes healthcare access and the challenges patients face. My work in medical education research has helped me think more deeply about how we train future providers, connecting naturally to the conversations in Model UN about strengthening healthcare systems. Joining Model UN has been one of the most influential decisions in my college career, building my confidence as an advocate and helping me grow into the healthcare professional I hope to become. I’m grateful to keep learning and contributing to a team committed to meaningful impact and global awareness.

Portrait of Ava Rogers

Ava Rogers

Sophomore • Business Management & Global Studies

Diplomacy • International Policy

My name is Ava Rogers, and I am a sophomore double majoring in Business Management and Global Studies. I’ve always been interested in politics on both the national and international levels, and I enjoy exploring how different countries approach global challenges. Model United Nations is a fun and meaningful way for me to build real experience in diplomacy, negotiation, and international policy. Through MUN, I’ve been able to strengthen my research and public-speaking skills while learning how cooperation and dialogue shape global decision-making. I’m excited to continue growing in this organization and contributing to thoughtful, informed discussions on international issues.

Resources

For students who want to participate without traveling, we also offer an on-campus club, which meets to discuss international news, debate global issues, and build diplomatic skills in a low-pressure environment. Whether you want to compete internationally or simply join meaningful discussions about the world, there is a place for you in Marian Model UN.

If you are interested in joining Marian’s club or the travel team, please contact one or both of the Marian MUN co-presidents at jcastetter871@marian.edu or cavello954@marian.edu. Additionally, you may speak to the Director of Model UN at Marian, Melissa Buehler, regarding this program or to learn how to participate in the yearly MUN conference for high school and middle school students hosted by the Marian MUN team.

Here are some links to resources to learn more about Model UN:

MyMUN

NMUN Position Paper Guide

MUNprep Points and Motions