Congratulations to Dr. Alfred Hermida, Dr. Barbara Lee, Dr. Connor Kerns, and Dr. Jessica Dempsey on receiving the 2025 Dean of Arts Mentorship award!
This award 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. Alfred Hermida
Professor, School of Journalism, Writing, and Media
Dr. Hermida is an award-winning online news pioneer, digital media scholar, and journalism educator, with more than two decades of experience in digital journalism. He served as director of the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media from June 2015 to December 2020.
In their nomination, Dr. Hermida’s colleagues and former mentees describe him as an extraordinary mentor who supports students and emerging scholars at every stage of their academic and professional journeys — from undergraduates to postdoctoral fellows and early-career professionals. They praise his unwavering support, generosity, and genuine care, sharing how he consistently goes above and beyond to help others identify their strengths, pursue ambitious goals, and unlock new possibilities.
“Alf was always there — answering calls, emails, texts, and spending countless hours teaching me all he knew. He pushed me to reach my potential and never let me slide into complacency. I always name him as the mentor who’s impacted my life the most.”
Whether providing thoughtful guidance across time zones or creating hands-on learning opportunities, Dr. Hermida is described as deeply invested in the success of others. His mentorship, they write, is marked by inclusivity, encouragement, and a firm belief in each person’s potential to make a difference.
Dr. Barbara Lee
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
Dr. Lee is a social work scholar and community leader with a strong commitment to advancing child welfare research and practice. She also serves as Director of the Center for the Study of Services to Children and Families (CSSCF).
In their nomination, Dr. Lee’s colleagues and mentees describe her as an exceptional mentor who supports a wide range of individuals — from international students to junior faculty and postdoctoral fellows.
“Dr. Lee takes time to deeply understand each mentee's unique potential, aspirations, and challenges, tailoring her guidance to meet individual needs. She invests in mentee's success, actively observes, and celebrates their growth at every stage.”
Known for her accessibility and collaborative spirit, Dr. Lee helps mentees develop research projects, think critically, and grow confidently at every stage. Beyond one-on-one mentorship, she fosters learning communities through guest speaker events and social activities. She also leads creative knowledge mobilization efforts — including a podcast and open-access journal — that amplify emerging scholars’ voices. Her mentorship is described as empowering and generous, grounded in care and a deep commitment to student success.
Dr. Connor Kerns
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
Dr. Kerns is a clinical psychologist and researcher who has mentored students at all levels in the Anxiety, Stress and Autism Program (ASAP Lab). Her work explores topics such as childhood psychopathology, social communication, adult autism assessment, and CBT for child anxiety.
Colleagues and mentees commend Dr. Kerns for her personalized and inclusive mentorship. She supports conference participation, fosters scholarly networks, and encourages student-led initiatives like the Community Advisory Board to engage with the autism community. She also mentors early undergraduates and has developed an autism-focused curriculum that promotes critical thinking and collaboration.
“Her empathy and understanding of the challenges her students face outside of the lab have created an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.”
Dr. Kerns models scientific integrity, compassion, and respect in both her work and relationships. Through the ASAP talk series and other outreach efforts, she supports research dissemination and community engagement. Her mentorship extends beyond academics, offering thoughtful guidance and care that helps students navigate both their careers and personal challenges.
Dr. Jessica Dempsey
Professor, Department of Geography
Dr. Dempsey is a geographer specializing in urban sustainability and environmental justice. Since joining UBC in 2016, she has mentored undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty through hands-on, collaborative research.
Her mentorship emphasizes inclusive, participatory learning. Her seminars often evolve into collaborative research projects, resulting in peer-reviewed publications and policy reports co-authored with students, helping demystify the academic process. Mentees have gone on to secure competitive fellowships, scholarships, and roles in academia and public policy.
“She provides mentorship from a place of genuine investment beyond formal obligation, showing deep commitment to the growth and well-being of the department and university. Jess is a team player and advocate for her colleagues.”
Colleagues and mentees highlight her generosity and encouragement, noting her commitment to student success both within and beyond the university. Her collaborative ethos, strong advocacy, and connections to community and policy organizations foster a supportive environment that values intellectual curiosity and well-being.
