Ceema Samimi

Ceema Samimi is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where they conduct research at the intersection of youth, race, power, and institutional systems. Their work critically examines the school-to-prison pipeline, exclusionary discipline, and the nonprofit industrial complex, advocating for transformative, community-centered change.

Education:

• PhD, University of Denver (2020)
• MPA, John Jay College of Criminal Justice (2015)
• MSW (2010)

Their research is grounded in Critical Race Theory and employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore how systemic inequities impact urban youth. They focus on school discipline, restorative justice, and community-based research, aiming to restructure educational systems as loving, empowering environments. Their work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education and social justice.

Their recent publications reveal a consistent thematic focus on racial and gender disparities in school discipline, the experiences of marginalized youth (including Black and LGBTQ+ students), and the application of critical theory to policy and practice. They also explore restorative practices and trauma-informed interventions in justice and educational settings.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Ceema Samimi is actively involved in research leadership as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (CoI) on funded projects related to restorative practices, community asset mapping, and policy evaluation. They mentor PhD students and engage in public scholarship through presentations and workshops on decolonizing curricula and relational research. Their work bridges academic inquiry with community impact, emphasizing participatory and transformative methodologies.

Labs and Research Teams: While no formal lab is named, Samimi leads or contributes to collaborative research teams focused on restorative justice, school discipline reform, and community engagement in the Twin Cities and beyond. Their projects involve interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars and practitioners in social work, education, and public policy.