Mom, I’m in Love With an Alien: CSICOP, 1978

Aliens, the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot—all things that we’ve grown up hearing about and simply brushing off as made up creatures that simply don’t exist. Yet, whenever there is a mysterious sighting—we’ll still be the first to flock to YouTube, to wonder if these creatures really exist, and what’s really out there. 

Founded in 1976 by a group of scientists, journalists, and other individuals, CSICOP is meant to do exactly that—to understand what is truly out there and to foster this same sense of skeptical inquiry in society itself. As a fellow of this organization yourself, you have been tasked with the mission of how to most effectively spread your message to the general public, shutting down unfounded paranormal sightings, pseudoscientific methods of doing things, while conducting the science to prove this to be untrue. In taking on this role, you must understand the economic consequences caused by public frenzy, take on the issues of labor rights as spurred by pseudoscientific policies in the workplace, recognize the role that this plays in domestic and international politics and handle all sightings as they arise. 

We hope it's clear, dear delegate, that the future of the United States (and far, far beyond) rests on your shoulders. Will CSICOP succeed in ensuring that every citizen inquiries for themselves, or will the paranormal prove to be too much for them?

Timothy Lu

Chair

Timothy (Tim is fine) is a second year in the College majoring in economics and public policy (did not copy Chrit). He’s from Canada, and not being American is a big part of his identity, along with all the ways that Canada is better than the US (there are many). He was an AC for Chrit in Democracy for Dummies at ChoMUN XXVI, is chairing with Dani for UChicago’s high school conference MUNUC, and also travels with the MUN team. Outside of MUN, Tim does student government and fences for the UChicago team, which full disclosure, is a club and not varsity. One of his favourite activities is getting to learn more about world culture, languages, food, history, music, and more, so if you have something to share don’t hesitate to reach out!

Tim is weirdly excited about getting emails, which you can do at timlu@uchicago.edu for anything from questions, to comments, to cyberbullying.

Chritina Gao

Crisis Director

Chritina (but please call her Chrit) is a third year in the College majoring in economics and public policy. Hailing from NYC, she can often be found lamenting about the quality of bagels in Chicago or attempting to walk everywhere. She was a crisis director for Democracy for Dummies in ChoMUN last year, and an AC for the Mattachine Society committee in ChoMUN the year before. Besides ChoMUN, she is actively involved in MUNUC, helps to plan large scale events for the university community, and mentors both incoming first year students and high school juniors. In her free time, you can find her attempting to make complex recipes from scratch, exploring Chicago neighborhoods, or looking through unique Airbnb listings. She is incredibly excited to be running this committee with both Timothy and Daniela and cannot wait to see the incredible arcs and debate in committee. 

If you want to exchange bagel recipes, talk about Harry Styles, or simply have a question, you can find her at chritina@uchicago.edu

Daniela Santillan-Enriquez

CRISIS DIRECTOR

Daniela (or Dani, as most folks know her), is a second year in the College majoring in Chemistry. Born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, Dani loves to tell wacky stories about the border and complain about how everything is much more expensive in Chicago. Prior to this year, Dani served as an Assistant Chair for ChoMUN XXV’s Joint Crisis Committee. She’s also involved with UChicago’s high school conference MUNUC. Outside of MUN, Dani is unhealthily involved in house culture, and advocates for various Indigenous and Latine issues around campus. Most of the time, you will find her in the lab, “playing” with lasers and chemicals. 

If you’d like to hear why physical chemistry is the superior chemistry, or have any questions about committee; don’t hesitate to reach her at dsantillane@uchicago.edu

Secretariat oversight:

victor brown, Under-secretary-general