GWIAS Executive Board

Chair Bethany Thomaier

Office Hours: Mondays 6:00-7:00, Wednesday 6:00-7:00
Contact Bethany

Hey everyone! I'm a senior in the Elliott School, majoring in International Affairs, with concentrations in Development Studies and Europe & Eurasia, and minoring in Political Science and Art History. I'm originally from Boulder, CO, and I insist that the Rocky Mountains are better than any "mountains" you will find on the East Coast. I'm not-so-secretly in love with Central Asia, Kofi Annan, and Human Rights. When I'm not participating in IAS events, I'm finding time to be involved with other campus groups such as RHA, STAR tours, and Colonial Army, the basketball fan club (AWW GDUB!). Off campus, I'm a research intern at a telecom consulting firm, and in past years I've worked on the Hill and at the National Gallery of Art.

I have been an active member of GWIAS since my freshman year, and I served on last year's executive board as the Academic Coordinator. I have participated in many Model UN conferences and served on the staffs and secretariats of our middle and high school conferences, GWCIA and WAMUNC. I've loved all the opportunities this organization has given me to develop as a student, as a friend, and as a leader. As Chair, I hope to see everyone taking advantage of our diverse programming. Whether you are helping teach local students through our GWUPIE program, writing articles for our publication, The Globe, attending our embassy visits, or debating on our Model UN team, IAS can truly become one of the most memorable organizations you will ever join.

Our members are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, and to helping our community, our countries, and our world become better places. As you explore IAS and learn more about our activities, please feel free to contact any of us regarding ways you can become more involved. Our office hours are held in Marvin Center 428, and we always welcome anyone interested in international affairs. This is going to be a great year for our organization, and I hope you will experience it with us!


Vice Chair Robert Baxter

Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00-5:00
Contact Robert

Welcome to the IAS! I am a junior in the Elliott School, majoring in International Affairs with concentrations in International Politics and Conflict & Security, and minoring in Spanish. I hail from Seattle, WA on the great West Coast! In Spring 2008, I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. On campus, I am also involved with two other international organizations: AIESEC and Delta Phi Epsilon Professional Foreign Service Fraternity. I am also an active member of the College Republicans and a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

I have been a member of IAS for three years now, and I've enjoyed every aspect of this great organization. I have served on staff for WAMUNC, I've been an active member of our Model UN team, and I also participate in our academic and social events. I have previously served on the executive board as Co-Publicity Director in Fall 2007. As Vice Chair, my goals are to increase membership, aid the Chair in creating a strong E-Board, maintain an effective listerv, and overall, solidify the IAS as a leading organization on campus. From Model UN conferences to academic panels to social events, IAS has something for everyone. My work as Vice Chair is not going to be that apparent, but if you have any questions, I will be available at every event and at my office hours. I look forward to meeting new members and seeing those I know again.


Treasurer Tim Little

Office Hours: Thursdays 4:00-6:00
Contact Tim

Hello Everyone! I am a senior in the George Washington University Elliot School of International Affairs, double majoring in International Politics and Political Science. While at GW, I have taken advantage of what the capital has to offer by interning in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. In addition, I have attended a variety of policy conferences and forums around the city hosted by various think tanks and organizations. Since coming to campus, I have been actively involved on campus and in the IAS, participating in our Model United Nations conferences, WAMUNC, GWUPIE, and GWCIA.


Secretary Danielle Desaulniers

Office Hours: Mondays 2:30-3:30, Thursdays 4:00-5:00
Contact Danielle

Welcome to the IAS! I'm from Hunterdon County, NJ and I'm one of the few IAS members not in the Elliot School - I'm a sophomore in Columbian College majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. Also, sometime in the next three years, I plan to study abroad, possibly in China.

A member of Model UN programs in High School, I was excited to get involved in the IAS at GW. Last year, I attended a variety of events, speakers series, and five Model UN conferences, including World MUN in Puebla, Mexico. On campus, I'm also an active member of Alpha Delta Pi (social sorority), Delta Phi Epsilon (professional foreign service sorority), Community Building Community (CBC) and Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). I may have a tendency to slightly over-book my planner, but the IAS definitely was an integral part of my freshman experience and I am extremely excited to become more involved during this upcoming year!


MUN Coordinator John Sakakini

Office Hours: Mondays 7:00-8:00, Fridays 12:00-1:00
Contact John

Hey guys, I'm a senior hailing from both Austin, TX and Trumbull, CT of Palestinian origin double majoring in Middle Eastern Studies and International Affairs. Since my freshmen year in High School, I've been an active Model UN delegate at conferences all around the US and Canada. Within GWIAS, I was on the executive board last year as Co-Publicity Director during the Spring semester, as well an an active Model UNer attending almost every conference we attend. Outside of IAS, I have had internships throughout DC and New York, from working at the United Nations in the Summer of 2007, to the Palestinian Mission to the US in Spring of 2007. In addition, I recently studied abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt.

I am excited to be your MUN coordinator and will be looking for the most fun conferences around the world for us to attend. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.


Academic Coordinator Josh Lasky

Office Hours: Tuesdays 6:15-7:15, Fridays 1:00-2:00
Contact Josh

Hey everyone! I'm a junior in the Elliot School of International Affairs, concentrating in International Economics and minoring in Organizational Communication. I'm originally from a mysterious land to the north of New York City that is not upstate NY, yet is not Westchester...very confusing. I've been involved in the International Affairs Society since my freshman year, and although I've dabbled in a few other groups, the IAS has always been my one true home. Within the organization, I have been involved on many fronts, including Model United Nations, where I have been a crisis staffer and vice chair for our GWCIA and WAMUNC conferences. This year, I am also the Business Director for GWCIA XIII. Outside of school, I work for a beverage importer AMI Brands; some have called me a water salesman, I prefer to think of myself as a water facilitator. As Academic Coordinator, I plan on scheduling several interesting panels and speakers for our organization. Also, there will be a bunch of fun embassy visits to go on where you too can interrogate foreign diplomats on controversial topics! Expect a great academic year as a member of the IAS, and if you have any questions or concerns, send me an e-mail.


Social Coordinator Jackie Burns

Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-3:00
Contact Jackie

Hello! I am very excited to be serving as IAS Social Coordinator for 2008-2009 and hope to see all of you at our programming events this year.

I am a senior with a double major in History and International Affairs with a concentration in Europe and Eurasian Studies. Originally hailing from Westfield, New Jersey, I am fiercely proud of my Jersey heritage. Fall of junior year I had the opportunity to spend the semester abroad in Paris, France, where I studied European History. I have been active in the IAS since freshman year, serving on three WAMUNC staffs and attending numerous Model UN conferences.

The IAS is an academic student organization, but that does not mean we don't take social programming into consideration. It is my job to plan events, outings, and other fun activities that compliment our love for international affairs and build a strong sense of community among IAS members. As the largest non-partisan student organization on campus, our members come from many different backgrounds. Social events help members to explore a valuable resource on campus: fellow students. If you have any suggestions for events you would like to see the IAS organize this year, please do not hesitate to contact me personally!


Outreach Coordinator Jacquelyn Vadnais

Office Hours: Mondays & Thursdays 5:00-6:00
Contact Jacquelyn

Hello everyone! I am a senior at the Elliot School majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Eurasia, and have plans to attend law school in the following year. I am originally from San Diego, CA, and formerly attended the University of San Diego before transferring to George Washington University my junior year. I have lived abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France and am trilingual to date, speaking Spanish and French, with plans to learn Japanese, Portuguese, and Italian in my senior year. During Summer 2008, I worked at a Japanese International Patent Law Firm in Washington D.C. In my former University, I served on our international affairs organization's executive board as the Community Service Outreach Coordinator. In addition, in high school I helped found the Key club for my school. I'm excited to be your Outreach Coordinator and hope to have a great year!


Director of Operations Abhi Kaul

Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:30-12:30, Wednesdays 4:00-5:00
Contact Abhi

I am a sophomore in the Elliott School of International Affairs majoring in International Affairs with a double concentration in Conflict & Security and International Economics. I was born in India but lived in Westchester County, NY for most of my life. In addition, I have lived in Tokyo, The Hague, and Singapore. On campus, I’m actively involved in both the International Affairs Society and Delta Phi Epsilon professional foreign service fraternity.

I was an active participant in IAS during my freshman year, attending a number of collegiate Model UN conferences, as well as staffing our own high school conference, WAMUNC. This year, I will be on secretariat for our middle school conference, GWCIA. I look forward to serving you as Director of Operations and meeting you all throughout the the year.


Publicity Director Justin Halpern

Office Hours: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30
Contact Justin

Greetings everyone! I am currently a sophomore in the Elliot School seeking a double major in International Affairs and Economics. Call New Jersey what you will, but I call it home. However, I do live in the better (southern) half of the state and depending on the day you might hear me call Philadelphia home as well. At GW, I'm also involved in the Residence Hall Association and Program Board Concerts Committee. I also work for GW Housing Programs as a House Proctor in Thurston. When I'm not at meetings or hard at work on papers, I like to play music and sports. I'll also do anything for a WAWA hoagie or a genuine cheesesteak.

I became involved with the IAS in the Spring semester of my freshman year and I'm eager for this opportunity to make the IAS a bigger part of my life. As Publicity Director, my job is to make sure that you know what is going on! If you have any suggestions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.


Co-Publicity Director Rachel Reclam

Office Hours: TBD
Contact Rachel

Hello! Welcome to the IAS. I am a sophomore in the Elliott School of International Affairs concentrating in Development studies. My hometown is Olympia, WA. I have been involved in the International Affairs Society since fall of my freshmen year. In addition to numerous other academic and social events, I attended McGill Model United Nations last year and participated in WAMUNC 2008 as a crisis staffer. I love to travel and am planning to spend next fall studying abroad in Paris. On campus I am also involved in Alternative Spring Break, the Socially Responsible Initiative Commission and the Student Global AIDS Campaign. I am excited to serve as your co-publicity director this spring!


Webmaster Sheng Zhou

Office Hours: TBD
Contact Sheng

Hey everyone. I am the webmaster of the International Affairs Society website. I was born in Shanghai in the People's Republic of China and moved to the United States when I was 7. I manage and update all of our websites and make sure that the most up-to-date and accurate information is available for our visitors and members to see. I am currently a sophomore in the Elliot School of International Affairs, with a view to concentrate in International Economics and East Asian Studies. My interests range from anything to do with computers and technology [aka geek things] to history (my current niche is in the late Roman Republic) and current affairs and politics. One of my biggest achievements, which combined my experience in technology with my love of history, was the game modification Rome: Total Realism, for the highly successfull real time battle game Rome: Total War. As one of the project managers for this, I helped develop and oversee a historical realism modification which witnessed over a million downloads worldwide.

I've been an active member of IAS since my freshmen year, and have participated in numerous events and activities. From embassy visits, guest speakers, social functions, WAMUNC/GWCIA, and Model United Nations conferences, I have enjoyed my time with IAS. I am highly excited about being Webmaster for the Spring 2008 semester and look forward to making the site as interactive and user-friendly as possible, while retaining all the useful information bulletins! If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the IAS website, or the Globe, WAMUNC, or GWCIA websites, don't hesitate to contact me!


GWUPIE Director Bobby Fraser

Office Hours: TBD
Contact Bobby

Hello everybody! My name is Bobby Fraser and I’m originally from Newport, New Hampshire. Presently, I am a Junior at The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs majoring in International Affairs with concentrations in International Economics and Development Studies. I have just returned from a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in the past I’ve participated in GW Model United Nations conferences and WAMUNC as well. As GWUPIE director this semester I look forward to working with students in local D.C. public schools to help to further expand their interests in the world they live in. If you would be like to volunteer with GWUPIE please feel free to contact me.


Globe Editor in Chief Catie Merino

Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:00-3:00, Wednesdays 6:00-7:00
Contact Catie

Hi all! I am a senior in the Elliot School with a concentration in Europe & Eurasia. I was born and raised in Pasadena, CA, home of the Rose Bowl. I transferred to GWU from Citrus College (yeah, that’s really what it is called. It’s a California thing) fall of my junior year and fell in love with GW and Washington, D.C. There is so much available to us that other students dream of. The International Affairs Society is a great way to take advantage of things going on in the city and meet some really great people.

As Editor in Chief, I am accepting submissions for The Globe, the International Affairs Society's online newsmagazine. This is a completely student-run publication, and it's the only publication at GW solely devoted to international affairs. I encourage all who are interested in writing for The Globe to do so. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for or about The Globe, please feel free to e-mail me.


WAMUNC Secretary General Catherine Wrisley

Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00-12:00
Contact Catherine

Hi everyone and welcome to GWIAS! I'm a senior in the Elliott School, majoring in International Affairs and History. I'm from New Smyrna Beach, Florida-- the shark bite capital of the world. I love to travel and I studied abroad in Freiburg, Germany in Fall 2007. While in D.C., I've enjoyed interning at a non-profit organization, a historical archive, and a law firm. I've also loved being involved with IAS since my freshman year. I have staffed WAMUNC for the past three years as a Crisis Staffer, Faculty Liaison, and Chief of Staff. I am now looking forward to leading WAMUNC XI as the Secretary General this year! If you have any questions or are interested in staffing WAMUNC, please feel free to email me.


GWCIA Secretary General Kelsey King

Office Hours: TBD
Contact Kelsey

Hi everyone! I am a sophomore in the Elliot School of International Affairs with a regional concentration in European and Eurasian Studies. I have a n unrequited love for all things Russian and I hope to study abroad in Saint Petersburg. I was born in Florida, raised in Denver, Colorado, and call DC home. I have been involved with IAS since my freshman year helping with GWCIA and WAMUN, competing in Model UN, serving as GWUPIE Director, and serving as Chief-of-Staff for GWCIA XIII. In addition to IAS I am an alumna of the Women's Leadership Program, a member of College Democrats, and last semester I interned at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. When I'm not busy with IAS and other activities, I spend my free time studying Russian, drinking coffee, reading, or drinking more coffee.

I am very excited to be serving as Secretary General of GWCIA XIV! I have no doubt that GWCIA XIV, held in the fall, will be a great success. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to email me!


Mount Vernon Representative Kirsten Ortega

Office Hours: Thursdays 12:00-1:00, on the Mount Vernon Campus
(in the student lounge on the 2nd floor of Eckels Library)
Contact Kirsten

Hey everyone! Welcome to the IAS! I am a freshman in the Elliott School majoring in International Affairs and I am pleased to be your Mount Vernon Representative for the 2008-2009 Academic Year. I am originally from San Diego, though I now call Littleton, CO my home. Currently, I play for GW Club Softball and have been actively participating in the IAS since my first days at GW. The IAS has so many wonderful opportunities to offer and it is an honor to become more involved in the organization and the greater international community.

My job as Mount Vernon Representative is to encourage participation in the IAS by Mount Vernon residents and increase interaction between the people living on both campuses. I am the voice of the Vernies, so if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to say how much fun the IAS is, feel free to contact me!


Freshmen Representative Lauren Jacobson

Office Hours: Thursdays 1:00-2:00
Contact Lauren

Hey everybody! I am very excited to be serving as the Freshman Representative for the 2008-2009 Academic Year! I am in the Elliott School of International Affairs majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in International Politics. I'm originally from Cleveland, OH in the great Midwest, but I am now happy to call DC home! I have been an active IAS member since day one, and other than this wonderful organization, I am involved in STAR, the Hatchet, and my job in the GWU Admissions Office. I am thrilled to be a part of the executive board of this truly honorable organization and I hope this year will bring lots of new experiences and a greater knowledge of the GWU, DC, and the international community.

As freshman representative, I am an advocate for the freshman class at-large as I strive to assimilate the freshman class within the organization and build a strong group of IAS lovers! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, regardless of whether you are already a member or interested in joining, feel free to contact me — I always love a good e-mail! I am very excited to serve as freshman representative this year and I hope to get know all members, current and interested during my tenure!