A commitment to guiding and inspiring the next generation of scholars.
UBC Psychology Professors Dr. Kristin Laurin and Dr. Toni Schmader have been recognized with 2026 Dean of Arts Mentorship Awards.
This award celebrates exceptional mentors within the Faculty of Arts. It recognizes faculty members who are committed to the academic and personal growth of junior colleagues, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, and who foster a community of integrity, inclusion and respect.
“ In our line of work you get regular and direct feedback about your research, but this feedback about mentorship came as a delightful surprise. I feel incredibly lucky that my students seem to see me as my aspirational self. They are the real reason this award happened, and I’m so thankful we get to work together.”
Colleagues and mentees commend Dr. Laurin for her giving nature and gift of mentorship. The following is an excerpt from Dr. Laurin’s nomination letter:
“In mentoring, Kristin gives of herself—of her time, her intellect, her compassion, her humour, and her integrity. The flourishing of her students testifies to the gift of her mentorship.”
“I am deeply honoured and touched that my students nominated me for this award. I so often feel that I have as much to learn from them as they have to learn from me.”
Dr. Schmader’s mentees say her approach to mentorship is what sets her apart. The following is an excerpt from Dr. Schmader’s nomination letter:
“An important element of Toni’s approach to mentorship is that she tailors it to her students’ needs and goals. What sets Toni apart is not simply the volume of mentees she supports or in their career successes, but the transformative nature of her support as an advisor. She invests meaningfully in each individual student’s trajectory, tailoring her mentorship to their strengths, goals, and identities.”
Zerevan Bindal, a UBC Psychology masters student who led the nomination, says that Dr. Schmader brings out the best in her mentees.
“ It is a privilege to be under Toni’s exceptional mentorship while navigating the challenges of graduate school. Not only does she care deeply about guiding us to produce research that is meaningful and pushes the boundaries of knowledge, but she also creates a safe and supportive space in which students from all backgrounds can share their experiences and learn from one another. Toni truly brings out the best in all of us.”
Dr. Laurin and Dr. Schmader will celebrate the recognition with their mentees at a faculty-sponsored dinner.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Laurin and Dr. Schmader!
