Kaya Jade Hayes Hunter

Global Humanities master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I have recently completed an Undergraduate Honours Degree in World Literature at SFU with a minor in International Studies. Before this I completed an AA degree through Langara College in Peace and Conflict Studies with a Citation in Environmental Studies. My research interests sit at the intersection between ecological grief and the transformative potential of imagination. During my undergraduate years at SFU I developed and fostered a deep interest in the discontents of modernity and global cultural responses to ecological devastation, it is my intention to continue pursuing research in these areas as I embark on this new academic adventure.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I was drawn in no small part to pursuing graduate studies at SFU because of the valuable connections I made here while completing my undergraduate degree. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue to contribute to the academic community at SFU and to further explore global responses to current and impending ecological collapse as expressed through art and literature.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research looks at current global artistic expressions as they respond to the ecological devastation of the present. In particular I am interested in inter-species relationality and how relationships with the non-human world inform cultural behaviour and beliefs. Within this scope I am drawn to the transformative nature of ecological grief, the power of imagination, and the beauty of activism.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Ecological grief; relationality; imagination

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

I was privileged to work as both a TM and TA during the final year of my undergraduate degree. These rewarding experiences intensified my appreciation for literature while exposing me to the possible joys of teaching within academia.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I received the Caledonia Award in World Literature while completing the final year of my Undergraduate Honours degree at SFU. At around the same time I was contemplating whether or not to apply to the 2023 Summer Institute of World Literature at Harvard University. Receiving the Caledonia Award played a large part in my decision to apply and when I was accepted I was very grateful to be able to put the funds toward my month in Boston. My time at the IWL was invaluable and I am forever grateful for the experience of attending and the people I met there. Additionally, I credit my attendance at the Institute last summer for my decision to pursue graduate studies.

Additional Links

• LinkedIn