Mentor Profile 

Dr. Wessam Elmeligi: A Mentor Profile

Dr. Wessam Elmeligi's journey from Egypt to becoming a prominent figure in academia showcases the transformative influence of storytelling and language. his story reflects a deep engagement with literature and culture, which has shaped his academic pursuits and contributions to the field of Arabic studies.

Dr. Elmeligi’s passion for Arabic studies and comparative literature stems from a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. Growing up in Egypt, they were immersed in a rich literary and cultural history, exposed to both local and translated world literature. Works by Shakespeare, Hugo, and Chekhov opened his eyes to the broader world, demonstrating literature's ability to transcend national and cultural barriers. This early exposure instilled in them an appreciation for languages and the connections between cultures. While in Morocco, exposure to Arabic-dubbed anime such as Sinbad and French comic books in both languages, reinforced his belief that language is a lens through which one can understand the world. This cross-cultural experience highlighted the comparative value of culture through the lens of Arabic culture.

Dr. Elmeligi's academic journey took root at Alexandria University, where they found a nurturing environment within the English Department. Engaging with a diverse range of literary works and exchanging ideas with peers and mentors shaped his intellectual pursuits. Under the guidance of Amira Nowaira, his graduate advisor, Dr. Elmeligi was encouraged to think critically and explore areas of literature that were largely unexplored in Egypt. This led to a master's thesis on Toni Morrison, a pioneering work in Egypt that explored themes of race, identity, and history. his Ph.D. research focused on the cyberpunk genre, specifically William Gibson’s Neuromancer, reflecting his growing desire to explore new literary styles and genres. In addition to research, Dr. Elmeligi gained valuable teaching experience in Egypt, teaching American and English literature to Egyptian students, and Arabic to American and European students during study abroad programs. Serving as Chair of the English Department at Alexandria University provided insight into the administrative side of academia. The academic journey provided valuable lessons, including the understanding that people are both similar and different.

Throughout his career, Dr. Elmeligi has been influenced by a number of key figures:

• Father: An academic and artist who shared stories about balancing research, teaching, and creativity, instilling the value of intellectual inquiry and artistic expression.

• Amira Nowaira: his dissertation advisor, played a crucial role in fostering intellectual independence, encouraging bold ideas while offering guidance.

• Naguib Mahfouz: The renowned Egyptian Nobel laureate, exemplified the balance between a regular career and a prolific literary life.

• Omar Sharif: The Egyptian actor known for his success in both Egyptian and international cinema, demonstrated the global reach of Arabic culture.

Dr. Elmeligi’s life took a significant turn when they moved to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship to attend Macalester College. Despite being the Chair of the English Department, Dr. Elmeligi found the opportunity to teach and conduct research in the United States to be an exciting new chapter. What was initially meant to be a temporary academic visit quickly became permanent when they accepted a full-time position at Macalester College. This move eventually led to a tenured position at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

 One of Dr. Elmeligi’s most significant contributions to academia has been the establishment of the Arabic Translation Certificate and Comparative Literature Certificate programs. These programs were created with the goal of empowering students to understand Arabic literature within a global context. Dr. Elmeligi’s teaching philosophy encourages students to explore his creative potential, pushing the boundaries of literary imagination.

Dr. Elmeligi’s research spans multiple disciplines, driven by a commitment to interdisciplinarity and a desire to explore Arabic literature from non-Western perspectives. his research includes Arabic poetics, which seeks to explore the Arab world’s literary traditions through the lens of contemporary philosophy. They have also written graphic novels, such as Jamila and Y & Y, which explore themes of identity, migration, and dystopian futures. Y & Y reflects his observations on the world his children will inherit, while Jamila examines his personal journey between cultures. Dr. Elmeligi’s research also delves into Arabic novels about immigration, specifically exploring how the process of return shapes cultural identity, as well as dystopian themes in Arabic speculative fiction, which they use to address global challenges.

Dr. Elmeligi’s advice to aspiring scholars is rooted in practical and philosophical guidance:

• Develop excellent command of Arabic and read widely from other cultures.

• Pursue passions and develop an academic approach that reflects his interests.

• Persistence is key, especially when it comes to publishing and navigating the peer review process.

• Consider side projects or alternative career paths that align with his skills and interests.

Dr. Elmeligi’s impact extends far beyond his teaching and research. Through his innovative programs and teaching philosophy, they have made Arabic literature more accessible to a global audience, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the richness of Arab culture. By incorporating visual media into his work, Dr. Elmeligi is expanding the boundaries of Arabic literature, ensuring its voice is heard far beyond its traditional confines. Dr. Elmeligi’s work will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the field of Arabic studies, fostering a greater appreciation for the power of language and storytelling to connect people across cultures.