Brennan Yau
  • Visual Arts
  • Class of 2017
  • Willington, CT

Brennan Yau Presents at 2017 CREATE Conference

2017 May 2

The Third Annual CREATE Conference at Eastern Connecticut State University took place on April 21. CREATE stands for "Celebrating Research Excellence and Artistic Talent at Eastern," and is the University's premier conference showcasing student research and creative activity.

Brennan Yau '17 of Willington presented artwork titled "Packaging Design Concept: Shyn Seltzer" and an oral presentation titled "The Value Of Arts For Economic Development." Yau majors in Visual Arts.

"I have two projects, including an oral presentation of my paper 'The Value of Arts for Economic Development,' as well as a poster presentation of my package design for 'SHYN Seltzer,' a fictional seltzer concept brand," said Yau. "In my paper, I discuss how the arts can be used as a cost-effective solution to reinvigorate low-income communities through the proliferation of homegrown art events that focus on the inherit strengths of a given place, or population. In my poster design, I attempt to create a popular and recognizable brand for a seltzer bottle that would be marketed towards young, artistic types such as myself. The design is based on traditional mandala artwork, and uses a layered effect that combines the various flavors for the product."

The one-day conference featured more than 300 Eastern undergraduates who presented talks, professional posters, live music, dance performances, art and photography exhibits, documentary films and panel discussions.

"This CREATE Conference has allowed me to truly identify as a professional as I pursue my undergraduate studies," said Yau. "I feel like the presentation of research and information is such a vital part to one's career, and can really make or break an argument, depending on how well the contents delivered. Through CREATE, I am able to begin to hone these skills early on and visualize myself as a functioning professional in the framework of a working environment. Doing so has enabled me to put my best foot forward in all circumstances; creating a trend that feels indispensable as I transition into my career."

"CREATE is a reaffirmation of Eastern's commitment to undergraduate research as Connecticut's only public liberal arts university," said Niti Pandey, business administration professor and conference co-chair. Reflecting on this year's record number of participants, she added, "There is a wonderful variety of presentations and performances for people to see. CREATE 2017 showcases the hard work and talent of our students and demonstrates the dedication of their faculty mentors. We look forward to an excellent event!"

From art to zoology, Shakespeare to social media, tax law to terrorism, Eastern students of all majors explore important concepts and produce exemplary research and creative work; the culmination of their work for the 2016-17 academic year was on display at CREATE.

Patricia Szczys, biology professor and conference co-chair, added: "CREATE is a superb learning experience for all who participate and a true celebration of our student's achievements."