Who We Are
The Natural Start Graduate Student Network (NatStartGrads) is an informal community of graduate students from across the U.S. and around the globe who share a passion for nature-based learning and early childhood research. The network provides opportunities for collaboration, peer support, and professional development while fostering connections between emerging scholars in the field. Members engage in discussions, share resources, and participate in events designed to inspire and strengthen their work in nature-based education research, practice, and policy. Through collective efforts, NatStart Grads aims to advance the field and promote inclusive, equitable, and innovative approaches to nature-based early childhood education.
Leaders
Stacey Alfonso (she/her), Doctoral Candidate, University of Washington, College of Education
Contact: [email protected]
Stacey is a passionate advocate for nature-based learning and creating equitable access to nature for all young children. She is currently researching nature-connectedness in an all outdoor preschool. She loves being part of this network and supporting graduate students in fostering professional growth and building meaningful connections within the NatStart Grads community.
Lydia Minahan (she/her), Doctoral Student, University of Missouri—Kansas City
Contact: [email protected]
Lydia focuses on collaborative research and practice in early childhood education and supervises practicum students during their student teaching, including classroom observations and evaluations. Lydia's leadership contributes to shaping a vibrant and supportive community within NatStart Grads.
Claire Underwood, Doctoral Student, University of Cincinnati 
Claire Underwood is a Doctoral Student at the University of Cincinnati, where she is the Editorial Assistant for Children, Youth, Environments (CYE) and conducts research with the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability. Claire began her career as a community organizer and worked in social and environmental justice nonprofits for more than a decade. Her research focuses on how nature preschools are being impacted by and responding to the climate crisis. Through her work, Claire seeks to support teachers, children, and families in affirming children’s agency, supporting their connection to the Earth, and working meaningfully together towards a just and sustainable present and future.
Who Should Join This Network
Graduate students and emerging scholars with a passion for nature-based early childhood education, research, and practice are encouraged to join NatStart Grads. Whether you're seeking collaboration, professional development, or a supportive community, our network welcomes you.
Meeting Schedule
The NatStart Grads network hosts monthly gatherings, primarily via Zoom, including casual peer support meetings and formal events with guest speakers and professional development opportunities. The network has also facilitated in-person meet-ups at major conferences like AERA, SRCD, NAAEE, and Natural Start's annual Nature-Based Early Learning Conference. Members often collaborate in smaller groups and connect through asynchronous networking via online platforms, shared resources, and ongoing discussions to foster year-round engagement and support.
How to Get Involved
Email the leadership team at [email protected] to learn how to get connected with the network. You can also fill out this form to join our mailing list and stay updated on network events, gatherings, and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you!