Nazia Afrin Trina, Ph.D.

Nazia Afrin Trina is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Texas Tech University, where she leads the reWILD Lab (Regenerating Ecosystems With Integrated Landscape Design). Her research investigates how biophilic design, child-friendly planting design, and nature-based outdoor learning environments shape children's health, development, and informal STEAM learning. She has authored peer-reviewed journal articles in Children, Youth and Environments, the Early Childhood Education Journal, Education Sciences, Learning Environments Research, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and Microorganisms, and has presented her work at leading national and international conferences.

Her scholarship has been recognized with the prestigious Award of Excellence in Research category from the National ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) Student Awards, selection of her research for the "Best of 10 Years" anniversary issue of Children, Youth and Environments, CELA Best Poster honorable mention, and her work has been featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine.

Before joining the Texas Tech faculty, Trina was a Postdoctoral Scholar in Biophilic Design for Optimal Child Development at the Natural Learning Initiative within the College of Design at NC State University, where she contributed to statewide and national initiatives. In teaching, she integrates planting design, environment-behavior research methods, and design for play and learning to prepare students to create landscapes where both people and ecosystems thrive.

Trina earned her Ph.D. in Land-use Planning, Management, and Design and her Master of Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University, and her Bachelor of Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Beyond work, she is a lifelong gardener at heart, believes in the power of playful curiosity, and is happiest with her hands in the soil.