Dina Izenstark

Dina Izenstark is an Associate Professor in the Child and Adolescent Development Department at San José State University's Lurie College of Education. She holds a PhD in Human Development & Family Studies and an MS in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research explores the impact of nature exposure on children and families, examining how family-based nature activities strengthen relationships and promote well-being.

Her work bridges environmental psychology and family studies, with specific interests in nature-based interventions, outdoor recreation patterns, and developmental outcomes. Research investigates how environmental settings influence family communication, child executive function, and relational quality across the lifespan.

Publications consistently focus on nature's role in family systems, with recent work examining outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-cultural contexts in Latinx families, and longitudinal impacts from childhood to adulthood. Methodologies include experimental designs, qualitative analysis, and multi-wave surveys.

Dr. Izenstark teaches courses in child development and advises students in research projects related to family dynamics and environmental influences. Her work contributes to interdisciplinary efforts promoting nature accessibility as a public health strategy.