About
Brian Komei Dempster is a Professor of Rhetoric and Language and faculty member in Asian Pacific American Studies at the University of San Francisco, where he has taught since 2001. He currently serves as Co-Director for the Center for Research, Artistic, and Scholarly Excellence and previously directed the Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies program from 2013 to 2025.
His research centers on poetry, rhetoric, and Japanese American history with deep engagement in themes of internment, resettlement, memory, and identity. Dempster bridges creative expression and historical documentation through award-winning poetry collections and scholarly edited works, contributing significantly to ethnic studies and literary discourse. His work examines trauma, cultural resilience, and social justice within Asian Pacific American communities.
Dempster's publications reveal consistent thematic focus on Japanese American experiences during and after World War II, evolving from historical documentation in edited volumes to lyrical explorations of memory in poetry. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between literary arts, historical trauma studies, and community narratives.
His distinguished honors include the 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry and multiple book awards. Key recognitions:
- Guggenheim Fellowship in Poetry (2023)
- Julie Suk Award and NCPA Gold Award (2021)
- 15 Bytes Book Award (2014)
- USF Distinguished Teaching Award (2010)
- Nisei Voices Award (2007)
As an educator, Dempster has developed and taught diverse courses across rhetoric, creative writing, and Asian Pacific American literature while directing graduate programs. His administrative leadership in the Center for Research, Artistic, and Scholarly Excellence fosters interdisciplinary scholarly collaboration across USF.
Dempster actively contributes to USF's academic ecosystem through the Center for Research, Artistic, and Scholarly Excellence, which supports faculty research and creative projects university-wide, and his ongoing involvement in the Master's in Asia Pacific Studies program.
