Aimee Nezhukumatathil, a professor of English and creative writing, has been named a 2025 United States Artists Fellow and a recipient of the Pepe Marcos-Iga Award for Innovation in Environmental Education. These honors recognize her contributions to poetry and environmental education, fields in which she has long been an influential voice.
“As a professor and a mother of two teenage boys, I am always looking for ways to inspire a deep appreciation for nature in future generations,” Nezhukumatathil said. She emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of place and belonging in young people through a connection with the natural world.
Quoting environmentalist Rachel Carson, she added, “‘The more clearly we focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.’ Now more than ever, we need to encourage gentleness towards our planet and each other.”
Recognizing Excellence in Art and Environmental Education
The United States Artists fellowship is awarded to 50 artists across various disciplines. Each recipient receives $50,000 and access to resources that support their artistic work.
The Pepe Marcos-Iga Award for Innovation in Environmental Education, granted by the North American Association for Environmental Education, celebrates educators who use creative approaches to teaching about the environment. Nezhukumatathil has been a leader in this field throughout her career, blending poetry and environmental awareness in her work.
These awards will support her next book, a hybrid collection of poetry and prose, and allow her to continue her work in environmental education.
A Career Rooted in Nature and Literature
Nezhukumatathil joined the University of Mississippi in 2016 as a Grisham Writer-in-Residence. She has since gained national recognition for her work, including her 2020 essay collection, World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments. The book spent seven weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was named Book of the Year by NPR, Esquire, Barnes & Noble, Literary Hub, and the New York Public Library.
Her latest book, Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees (Ecco, 2024), explores the connections between food, culture, and memory. The book has been widely praised and was named one of the best food books of 2024 by Food & Wine.
A Lifelong Passion for Nature
For Nezhukumatathil, the connection between literature and nature has always been central to her work. “My first book came out over 20 years ago, and my love for the environment and landscapes has guided everything I write,” she said. “I don’t expect that to change any time soon.”
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