ADDRESSING THE WANING AUTHORITY OF THE PADISHAH EMPEROR
In the science-fiction world of Dune, the galaxy is ruled by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV, whose power rests on a fragile balance between the Great Houses of the Landsraad, the Spacing Guild, and the CHOAM Corporation. At the center of this web lies Arrakis, the sole source of the spice melange, the substance that makes interstellar travel and thus the survival of the Imperium possible.
Recently, the Emperor has transferred control of Arrakis from House Harkonnen to House Atreides, supposedly as a reward, but in truth as a calculated move to weaken both. In doing so, the Empire’s authority wanes amid the Houses scheming for power. To attempt to restore themselves to power, stakeholders are convening in secret to address limits on the Emperor’s authority.
In this Crisis Committe, delegates must consider both the stability of their imperium and the ulterior motives of their faction to navigate rival powers and shifting allegiances, ultimately determining the fate of the galaxy.
Jacob Halter is a Sophomore, studying Economics with a minor in Business Analytics. He is from Illinois and has been competing in Model UN for the last six years. He currently serves as Director of Finance for UMDMUN's Travel Team. Aside from Model UN, he is part of the Maryland Global Fellows program and a member of UMD's public policy fraternity. On the weekends you can find him being disappointed by both Maryland athletics, and the Chicago Bears. Ever since the first Dune movie came out in 2021, he has fallen in love with the franchise. To you the reader he has one message, “May thy knife chip and shatter!”
Arman Dashtipour is a senior, studying Computer Engineering and Data Science. He is from San Diego, and has been competing in Model UN for a few years now. He's staffed UMUNC for two years, and is excited to be a Chair for UMUNC VII. Outside of UMUNC, Arman is a member of Hack4Impact and the App Dev Club. When he's not working, you can find him at the gym, a local Regal theater, or video editing. For this committee, Arman is excited to how the delegates will use the incredible story elements from Villeneuve's Dune in creative ways! May thy knife chip and shatter!
Radha Kausik is a junior studying Finance and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. She is from Harford County, Maryland, and has been involved with Model UN since her sophomore year. Outside of UMUNC, Radha plays the flute in orchestra, is the president of UMD's Hindu Students Council, and loves to read a good book! For the Dune committee, Radha is excited to see the creative ways in which the delegates will deal with Spice production.
Shreyas Sasanakoti is a freshman studying Mechanical Engineering. He's from Montgomery County, Maryland, where he competed in Model UN for all four years and served as Secretary-General for two! This is his first year staffing UMUNC, and is thrilled to be a Crisis Director for UMUNC VII. In his free time, Shreyas is part of Engineers Without Borders, and loves spending an unhealthy amount of time at the Y and side-questing with friends. He also loves yapping about history, Star Wars, or anything else that piques his interest. Shreyas is excited to see what unique and imaginative approaches delegates will take, and how they'll explore the rich lore of the Dune universe!