M. (Mohammad) Gharesifard, PhD
Up-sTEAm: Upskilling Prospective Teachers in STEAM for elevating out-of-school learning for all
Role: project Coordinator
Up-sTEAm (2023-2026) is an Erasmus+ project that aims is to provide university students studying to become teachers and/or science communicators with the skills and knowledge necessary to design effective and meaningful STEAM activities for non-formal learning contexts, that are appropriate and adapted to school pupils’ needs and particularities. The goal is to increase access to non-formal STEAM education for these students.
Role: Contributor/ citizen science expert
SlimSmullen is a NWO-funded educational initiative that aims to provide children, families, and communities with engaging, science-based knowledge about sugars and healthy eating through interactive activities and non-formal learning experiences. The project is led by Dr. Marthe Walvoort. The project includes the development of lesson packages for schools, sugar-free baking workshops, and public events, supported by a community of trained student facilitators who help translate scientific insights into hands-on learning.
Role: Contributor/ citizen science expert
New Roots (2024–2028) is an international EU-funded initiative under the Interreg Deutschland–Nederland programme that aims to strengthen people’s connection with nature through education, participation, and citizen science. The project brings together partners from Germany and the Netherlands to actively involve citizens of all ages in observing, exploring, and generating knowledge about their local natural environments. By combining citizen science with educational and cultural activities, New Roots empowers communities to contribute to scientific knowledge while fostering awareness, care, and long-term engagement with nature, supporting more sustainable and resilient societies.