2020 Graduate Student Teaching Award Recipient: Kina Montenegro

Carolina (Kina) Montenegro, from New York, U.S. A., is one of the Faculty of Graduate Research and Studies, Teaching Assistant Award recipients for 2020. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology.

Why did you choose this area of study?
Some of the constants in my life have been an interest in animals and art. When I was an undergraduate student, I knew I wanted to go to graduate school but could not figure out what to focus on. The summer before I started my applications I ended up raising an orphaned crow and experiencing a bird's behaviour close up helped me decide that animal behaviour is what I wanted to study and studying animal behaviour as a psychology major was a great way to combine my love for animals and art.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I would like to still be doing research on animal behaviour and cognition while mentoring/teaching students. Within the animal kingdom, there is a lot left to be studied and there will probably always be a lot to study.

Who are three of your heroes (living or historical) and why?
Bernie Sanders is a hero of mine; Bernie Sanders has dedicated his life to fighting for real people. His integrity, courageousness, and inclusiveness are paramount. I also admire the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Toulouse-Lautrec had many physical ailments but his ability to capture a moving movement in time is unparalleled. Lastly, Mario Molino, his discovery of the ozone hole was pivotal to the fight against climate change.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Intelligence. I will always value hard work over intelligence. Too many times I have heard students tell me that they are not smart enough for graduate school. Too much pressure is put on people, especially in academia, to be "intelligent". Hard work will breed more success overall.

Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. It's technically a children's book but reading it as an adult is a different experience. The book follows a kid named Milo, he does not know what to do with life and everything to him is boring. The writing has amazing depth, uses immerse vocabulary, and its incredibility imaginative with many lessons.

What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?
I consider critical thinking essential. The ability to generate a rational unbiased analysis and evaluate factual evidence is what has propelled us so far and will continue to.

Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?
Catherine Anley, previous Senior Consultant for Equity Diversity Inclusivity (EDI), Treasurer of the Academic Women's Association, and much more. Catherine worked tirelessly towards advocacy and supported the necessary EDI work at the University of Alberta. She is an inspiration, and her belief in movements and causes truly makes you believe you can create change as she has.