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The Natural Start Alliance Graduate Student Network has maintained a rotational leadership model since its founding in 2020. As we say goodbye to Claire Underwood (2025–26 Co-Lead), we thank her for her leadership and wish her well in her next journey. With open arms, we welcome our new Co-Lead, Simin Kazemi, who will serve alongside Amy Wrather.
Simin Kazemi, Doctoral Student and Graduate Research Assistant, University of
Nebraska–Lincoln
Simin Kazemi is an international doctoral student in Child Development and Early Childhood Education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her research focuses on children’s interactions with nature and the development of their self-concept and environmental identity. She is also a Graduate Research Assistant with the UNL LEAF initiative, which provides design assistance and professional learning to early childhood centers across Nebraska to support the creation and use of nature-rich environments for young children.
Simin entered the field of children and nature through her work as co-founder and former executive director of Kavikonj, Iran’s first nature school. Through her work, Simin seeks to better understand the fundamental role of children’s engagement with the natural world in shaping who they become and to contribute to efforts that ensure equitable everyday access to nature for all children. She is excited to connect with and support fellow graduate students who are exploring, researching, and working to advance children’s relationships with nature.