Congratulations to Dr. Anita DeLongis and Dr. Christopher Rea on receiving the 2024 Dean of Arts Mentorship award!
This award celebrates the generativity of exceptional mentors within the Faculty of Arts. It recognizes faculty members with an outstanding commitment to promoting the academic and personal growth of junior colleagues, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, and who foster a community of integrity, inclusion and respect.
Dr. Anita DeLongis, Professor and Associate Head of Graduate Affairs, Department of Psychology
Dr. DeLongis received her doctorate in psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. Her research interests include health psychology, stress, family and close relationships, and coping with chronic illness.
Dr. DeLongis has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades, during which she has mentored over 25 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, along with numerous junior colleagues and undergraduate students. Founding the first Health Psychology PhD program in Canada at UBC, she has been instrumental in positioning the university as a global leader in cutting-edge research and training in mental and physical health.
“Dr. DeLongis' commitment to inclusivity is evident in her mentorship efforts, benefiting first-generation students and underrepresented groups in academia. Her personalized approach, advocacy, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on her mentees' lives and careers.”
Colleagues attest that Dr. DeLongis’ tireless efforts in sustaining and expanding the health psychology program ensure its continued growth and success. Her mentorship, characterized by integrity, inclusion, and respect, has profoundly shaped the department’s graduate program and mentorship culture. Notably, she has provided extensive support during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating unwavering dedication to her students’ success. Her colleagues and mentees praise her exceptional mentorship style, which blends honesty, support, and encouragement, transcending career stages and backgrounds. Dr. DeLongis’ commitment to inclusivity is evident in her mentorship efforts, benefiting first-generation students and underrepresented groups in academia. Her personalized approach, advocacy, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on her mentees’ lives and careers.
Photo by Julie M. Wang
Dr. Christopher Rea, Professor of Modern Chinese Literature, Department of Asian Studies
Dr. Christopher Rea is a literary and cultural historian whose research focuses on the modern Chinese-speaking world. His most recent publications concern research methodology, cinema, comedy, celebrities, swindlers, cultural entrepreneurs, and the scholar-writers Qian Zhongshu and Yang Jiang.
Colleagues describe Dr. Rea as a pivotal mentor for numerous students and junior colleagues over the years, extending his guidance well beyond conventional mentorship boundaries. His commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic community is evident through his unwavering encouragement and insightful feedback at every stage of development.
“His mentorship relationships often persist long after his mentees' time at UBC, showcasing his enduring impact on their academic and professional journeys. Through his mentorship, Professor Rea inspires emerging researchers to become mentors themselves, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence in academia.”
Dr. Rea’s mentorship extends beyond individual guidance to include public engagement projects and opportunities for professional growth, such as organizing panels and speaker series. His dedication to nurturing talent is exemplified by his co-authorship of Where Research Begins, a book focusing on empowering researchers to choose meaningful projects, which has been translated into multiple languages. Moreover, his mentorship relationships often persist long after his mentees’ time at UBC, showcasing his enduring impact on their academic and professional journeys. Through his mentorship, Dr. Rea inspires emerging researchers to become mentors themselves, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence in academia.
