Dongmei Chen
Professor
she/her
Department of Geography and Planning
I am immensely grateful for Professor Dongmei's kindness and contagious smile. Their willingness to openly address issues during group meetings has been incredibly reassuring, reminding me that I'm not alone in facing challenges. It's comforting to know that others also encounter difficulties, whether it's with presentations or research. Their unwavering support and understanding play a pivotal role in keeping us motivated to pursue our research endeavors. Thank you for being such an uplifting presence in our academic journey.
Anonymous Student
To me, mental health is an integral part of overall health, including a person's emotional, psychological and social well-being. It can influence a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and affect his/her ability to handle stress, relationship to others, and decision making. Good mental health is essential for individuals to experience a full range of emotions, maintain positive relationships, and engage in productive activities.
As an educator, I prioritize making my students aware of the importance of mental health. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment in my student groups where the students feel comfortable discussing mental health issues and seeking support and help from each other. Additionally, I encourage students to maintain healthy lifestyles by balancing academic workloads and personal life. Regular personal meetings to monitor well-being and early intervention for mental health issues are crucial for ensuring that students thrive both academically and personally.
I strongly promote regular physical activities which can improve mood and reduce stress of students. Occasionally I take my students out for outdoor physical activities such as hiking and biking, which can be very helpful for building strong support networks amongst students.
--- Dongmei Chen