معرفی
Caitlin Gilson serves as Associate Professor in the Herbal Sciences Department and Director of the Holistic Landscape Design Department at Bastyr University within the Image School of Natural Health Arts and Sciences in Seattle, integrating academic leadership with community-focused environmental education.
Her educational credentials include:
- MA in Environmental Education from the University of New Hampshire (2009)
- Master's Program in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Michigan (2007)
- Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from St. Mary's College of Maryland (2005)
- Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from the Horticultural Therapy Institute/Colorado College (2018)
Her research centers on developing propagation protocols for at-risk medicinal plants, analyzing service-learning pedagogy effectiveness, and documenting therapeutic benefits of human-nature interactions through horticultural activities. This work bridges scientific rigor with practical community applications, emphasizing sustainable cultivation of medicinal and edible species within permaculture frameworks.
Through the CHLD program, she implements mandatory service-learning projects where students design and maintain campus medicinal gardens, participate in the NW Flower and Garden Show, and partner with organizations like the International Rescue Committee's New Roots program. These initiatives cultivate real-world skills in ecological design while reinforcing permaculture ethics of earth care and human care.
Her professional network extends to the Permaculture Institute of North America and Washington State Nursery and Landscaping Association, facilitating collaborative projects that connect academic training with urban agriculture and therapeutic horticulture applications across community settings.
