The Arts Matters undergraduate academic conference is a student-led initiative co-organized with Dean of Arts Office staff. Each year, a team of dedicated and engaged Arts students work collaboratively to organize our conference programming. This year we are thrilled to also be partnering with UNB Student Union Arts Councillor Shayna Cloutier and staff from the UNB's International Student Advisor's Office.
Hello, my name is Betina Agas (she/her), and I am in my 4th year of a BA with a major in Psychology. I was born in the Philippines and grew up by the sea. I am currently working as the Faculty of Arts marketing and communications assistant and as UNB Connect the Thoughts graphics and marketing chair. Last summer, I interned with UNB Counselling Services as their Positive Mental Health Team Coordinator and now I continue to volunteer with them. I am so excited to work with the Arts Matters team this year and I look forward to seeing students showcase their amazing work in the field of Arts!
Drawing digital art is my favourite pastime. I easily lose track of time once I pick up my tablet and start drawing away. I indulge in watching anime, reading manga and playing video games.
Fun fact: I can talk about my chubby cat Tofu for hours.
My name is Yelena Birk (she/her). I am an international student in my 4th year of BA in Psychology. I was born in Moldova and have lived in Israel for half my life. I am currently doing an internship at the NB Military Family Resource Center, specifically in the OpMD program.
This is my first time working with the Arts Matters conference. I am happy to apply my academic knowledge to contribute to the conference and learn something new. I love to help and be involved in different projects. I enjoy being on committees like the Arts Matters organizing team.
I love travelling, enjoying new views, trying different foods and meeting new people. I love nature and I think that every season is incredibly beautiful. I am constantly expanding my knowledge in psychology, philosophy and politics, using all available resources.
My name is Indhu Iyengar (she/her), I am in my 5th year of a Ba/BSc with an honours in Biology and Philosophy. I was born and raised right here in Fredericton. Outside of my degrees, I am an Arts Peer Mentor, I take voice lessons, volunteer with UNB S.P.R.I.N.G, am the president of the VVS, volunteer with Let’s Talk Science and figure skate a little.
I’m excited to be a part of Arts Matters again this year to elevate the voices of my peers and provide a platform to those who want to present their work in the Arts.
Fun fact, I like to listen to my favourite songs and albums on repeat until I get sick of them.
My name is Kate MacGregor (she/her), and I am in my 3rd year of a concurrent BA/BSc degree in Biology and Psychology with an interest in neuroscience. I have lived here in Fredericton my whole life. Outside of school, I figure skate and coach the learn to skate program called CanSkate. I am also an Arts Peer Mentor, vice-president of the VVS and I take piano lessons (haven’t stopped since I was 7!).
I am excited to be a part of the Arts Matters Conference committee and build an inspiring event for many bright minds to come together to discuss ideas that excite them.
Fun fact, I love photography and sometimes in the summer I will stay up almost all night to get the perfect star picture.
Photo credit for our team photos to the very talented Hillary Nguyen.