Hello! My name is Lilias (She/her) and I am in my 2nd year of a BA Psychology degree and I am very happy to be a part of the Arts Matters Planning Committee this year.

I’m looking forward to building an event aimed at increasing academic accessibility and fostering inclusive communities within the academy and beyond! I can’t wait to see all the amazing work from students and hear from experts about the topics that matter most to them.

Outside of school, you will find me downtown in the library or walking by the river, usually wrapped up in an audiobook or podcast.

My name is Marlee Hansen. I am a fourth-year student completing a Joint Honours in Law in Society and Political Science. Beyond my work with the Arts Matters team, I am writing an Honours Thesis through the Department of Political Science focusing on international law and the refugee regime. Additionally, I work as a legal assistant and caseworker for the Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre.

In my time at UNB, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in extracurricular activities. I am very excited to be a part of the Arts Matters Conference organizing team this year. I am eager to help organize a conference that empowers and connects students across the Faculty of Arts.

Hi! I’m Musa, a fourth-year student double majoring in Economic Studies & Political Science. I was born and raised in the UAE and am fully fluent in four languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, and Balochi! My academic interests lie at the intersection of forced (and voluntary) migration, public opinion, and public policy.

After completing 3 full-time internships and working as a teaching assistant, I decided to shift gears to on-campus involvement in my final year, which led me to the Arts Matters Conference team. Through this role, I hope to apply my skills and experiences to contribute towards organizing a memorable event and give back to a community that has welcomed me with open arms.

Hi everyone! My name is Marissa Savoury (she/her), and I am in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts degree, completing an honours in Political Science. I am originally from Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland, but I’ve come to really enjoy living in Fredericton.

This is my first year as an Arts Peer Mentor and as part of the Arts Matters Conference organizing team. I am really excited to be involved in a student-led initiative that builds community across disciplines and gives students the opportunity to share the work they’re passionate about! I am looking forward to seeing the diverse approaches to learning that this year's conference will highlight.

Outside of academics, I love exploring new spots around Fredericton with my friends, listening to music, and watching Dancing with the Stars.

Hi! I’m Halimat (she/her). I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. I am in my penultimate year of a BA double major in Media Arts and Cultures and English with a minor in Business.

I was one of the organizers for Arts Matters Conference 2025, and I am excited to be a part of the team again as a work-study student. Aside from Arts Matters, I am one of the Co-event coordinators for UNB’s African Caribbean Society this year.

Outside of school, I enjoy listening to music, sleeping and writing poems. It is a delight to be a part of the Arts Matters 2026 team, and I look forward to seeing all of your amazing projects!

Hello/ Gwe everyone!

My name is Hailey Swasson (she/her), and I am in my 4th year of a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology. I was born and raised in Listuguj, Quebec and my community continues to inspire me in everything I do. I am proud to bring the teachings, values, and perspectives I grew up with into my academic journey and campus involvement.

This is my first year being part of the Arts Matters Team, and I am very excited to contribute to an event that highlights the creativity, passion, and research within the Faculty of Arts. Alongside this role, I am a peer mentor who works to support other students through their own academic paths.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am super excited to see how this year’s event goes while being a part of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone’s work.

Hello! My name is Ahad, and I am in my 4th year of a BA in Psychology at the University of New Brunswick. I was born in India, moved to Saudi Arabia when I was just three days old, later moved to the UAE at age twelve, and have been in Canada since I was sixteen. Growing up across different countries has given me a strong global identity and a deep appreciation for different cultures.

I love being involved in the campus and research community. I currently work as a Research Office Assistant and have also gained research experience through Dr. Ryan Hamilton’s sports psychology lab and Dr. Elaine Perunovic’s social psychology lab. Along with this, I am an IDEA Learning and Development Coordinator through a community based internship, where I focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

This is my first year on the Arts Matters team, and I am really excited to help out and contribute to such a creative and meaningful event. Outside of school, I love staying active through sports, and during short study breaks, you will probably find me playing a round of slither.io.

Hello everyone! My name is Cierra White (she/they). I am in my 3rd year of a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Women’s studies. I am particularly interested in relationships and how they affect individuals.

This is my first year on the Arts Matters team and I am very excited to be a part of this project. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what my peers have been working on. Other than Arts Matters, I am also a Peer Mentor and the treasurer of the Gender and Women’s Studies Society.

Outside of my studies you will find me organizing get togethers with my friends that normally involve collaborative storytelling. I also always love to read a good book in the garden with my dog.