2020 Graduate Student Teaching Award Recipient: Spencer Goyette

Spencer Goyette, from North Carolina in the U.S.A., is one of the Faculty of Graduate Research and Studies, Teaching Assistant Award recipients for 2020. He is in the pursuit of his Master's in Biological Sciences.

Why did you choose this area of study?
I've always enjoyed being outside, learning about nature and the life histories of different organisms. I studied Plant Biology and Ecology in undergrad, then ended up working at a museum in Washington, D.C. for a few years after I graduated. Getting an MSc in Biological Sciences seemed like a natural progression, so to speak.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I honestly have no idea. My initial plan is to take a bit of a break and collect myself. In light of the whole pandemic, I need to readjust my expectations for what my work and life will most probably look like for the next few years. Ideally, I would like to be working outdoors and educating people about the world around us.

Who are three of your heroes (living or historical) and why?
Natalie Diaz. She's an amazing poet from the southwestern US who has a sublime approach to language.

Rev. William Barber II. He's done a lot of work in my home state of North Carolina to address the financial, political, and racial inequalities still present there and across the United States. In doing so he's shifted the conversation at a national level on what it means to live and die in a society that often doesn't regard all people equally. He's given a voice to a lot of people who didn't have one before.

My mom.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I don't know. I think all virtues probably have their place and time. Maybe it isn't the virtue so much as how people approach them. If something starts out as being "good" but ultimately becomes a tool to be used against someone, then the essence of that virtue is pointless.

Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?
Remembering Heaven's Face by John Balaban. He was my poetry professor in undergrad and is now a friend of mine. This is the most beautifully written book I have ever read.

What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?
Empathy.

Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?
Besides my advisor, Dr. Toby Spribille, I would have to say Dr. Lucie Moussu and the Centre for Writers on Campus. I had the opportunity to work as a tutor there for the past couple of terms and Lucie has really created a wonderful environment for people to talk about writing and the writing process. The Centre for Writers has been essential to my development as a student and a human being. Everyone on campus benefits by having such a wonderful resource available to them, especially now!