Our Team

Mike Romano has been the head coach of American University’s Mock Trial program since the 2019-2020 season. He is a prosecutor with the Department of Justice and has tried cases involving a variety of crimes, from armed robberies to tax fraud.

Mike has also been a longtime member of the AMTA community. At Notre Dame, he led his team to back-to-back Top-10 Nationals finishes; as a junior, he won both an All-American Attorney and Witness award. Mike has also coached at the University of Virginia, helping guide their teams to a pair of Top-5 Nationals finishes in the same year. He has judged and helped run numerous tournaments. His favorite character from Midlands is Jean-Marie Baptiste, a hockey referee who witnessed a murder (arguably) on the ice, during a game.

Kierstin O’Hara has been an assistant coach at American since the Fall of 2021. She is a former AU mocker and brings with her 8 years of competitive experience. In past years, she has been recruited by her former high school coach to assist in preparing the team for various competitions, including Gladiator, the Tournament of Champions, and seasonal competitions. When Kierstin is not doing Mock, she is employed as a Senior  Auditor working with non-profit companies around the  DMV area. Her favorite character from Midlands is Armani (and her brother Gucci) Rodriguez.

Veda Yama is a Fourth-year student pursuing a major in Political Science as a part of American University’s School of Public Affairs. Originally from The Bay Area, California, Veda loves dance, being by the water, and petting as many dogs as possible. At AU, you might find Veda living in the library or enjoying a latte from the best on-campus coffee spot: The Dav.

Veda typically competes as an attorney, and is so excited to serve as its President for the 2026-2027 season!

Nolan Condon is a Junior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Creative Writing. Originally from Rochester, New York, Nolan loves D.C., though he does miss snow in general. When he is not working on mock trial or hanging out with friends, he is probably writing, or asleep. At AU, you might find him enjoying a mocha from the Bridge or in Kerwin Hall, cramming the night before an exam.

Nolan typically competes as a Witness, and can’t wait to meet all the incoming members and have a successful season!

Faith Bennett is a Senior majoring in International Studies and Legal Studies. She is interested in foreign policy and international law. Originally from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, Faith’s favorite hobbies include face painting, hiking, camping, and seeing different Broadway Musicals! At AU, you can find Faith at her favorite on-campus spot (third floor of SIS) enjoying a Dav iced chocolate-covered strawberry chai.

Faith typically competes as an attorney, and can’t wait for the upcoming season!

Stephanie Lobodanescu is a Junior double majoring in International Studies and Legal Studies. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Steph’s hobbies include hiking, writing, color-coding spreadsheets, and trying new energy drink flavors. At AU, you can find her playing piano in the Katzen practice rooms, or crafting in the Makerspace!

Steph usually competes as both an attorney and expert witness, and is so happy to be AUMT’s treasurer!

 Emma Lee is a sophomore majoring in Political Science, with a Minor in Spanish. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Emma loves to read, as well as take naps at inconvenient times. On campus, you can definitely find her eating a bagel on the Bridge, or locked away in a study room in the hall of science.

Emma competes as both an attorney and witness, and can’t wait for this year!

Rian Russell is a junior pursuing a majoring in Data Sciences for Justice, Law and Criminology with a minor in Mathematics. Originally from Maryland, Rian enjoys making music, going to the movies, watching court cases, and being active outside. At AU, you can find him sitting with friends in the amphitheater or studying on the quad.

Usually competing as both witness and attorney, Rian is equally excited for his third year on AUMT as well as serving as your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair!

Cole Baker is a senior pursuing a degree in Journalism and Interdisciplinary Studies (CLEG). Originally the Bay Area in California, Cole’s primary interests are good coffee, the beach, watching basketball, and going to law school. At AU, you can find Cole in the Hurst lounge, or in one of the coffee shops on campus.

Cole usually competes as an attorney, and is so excited to spend his last year on AUMT as your Events Coordinator!