Merah Gasmo (master of exercise science, physical and health education)
As a fourth-year undergraduate student, Merah Gasmo (she/her) took Dr. Jennifer Gruno’s EPHE 435 course, working with Hillcrest Elementary School teachers to develop an outdoor classroom, learning garden and nature literacy curriculum.
Dr. Gruno's course received funding through the BHER grant.
Developing nature-based curriculum
This experience convinced Merah to pursue her Master of Arts in EPHE. In 2024, she became a teaching assistant in EPHE 435 and supported a new cohort of UVic undergraduate students.
She helped develop a curriculum around the life cycle of mason bees and how they are integral to pollinating plants for food production.
A passion for nature literacy
“Nature literacy is more than just knowing the facts about, it’s about belonging in nature, having the skills to engage with nature, and wanting to return to it. The goal is to show that nature literacy can thrive in schools—and that when it does, students and teachers can grow together, with the natural world.”
Learn about CEL
- Students: learn how to incorporate CEL into your degree
- Faculty members: integrate community-engaged learning into your courses.
- Community organizations: collaborate with UVic faculty and students on a project or initiative.