This senior finds purpose through teaching and research
Evianna Merriam combined science and teaching in her studies and will continue marine science research after graduation.
Evianna Merriam put childhood inspirations into use while earning her bachelor’s degree at UNC-Chapel Hill.
She grew up in Portland, Maine, in a log cabin between the mountains and the ocean, surroundings that fostered a love for science and nature. In elementary school, Merriam developed teaching skills by helping her younger sister, Avella, with math and science homework. She later tutored high school friends and helped teach a chemistry class.
Merriam remembers her calculus teacher asking if she’d considered becoming a teacher. She dismissed the idea but kept the thought in the back of her mind.
“Looking back, I realize many of my teachers recognized something I hadn’t fully seen yet in myself,” said Merriam.
Merriam, who will celebrate her accomplishments at Spring Commencement on May 9, brought it all together at Carolina by majoring in environmental science and minoring in marine science and education, through the UNC School of Education’s baccalaureate education in science and teaching program.
“Attending UNC has been a dream of mine since I was a young child. I was drawn to its strong traditions, academic excellence and the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty,” said Merriam. “Beyond that, the sense of community and beauty of the campus made it feel like a place where I could truly grow both academically and personally. The community brings people together from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, creating an environment that is diverse and supportive.”
Merriam participated in fieldwork along the North Carolina coast as part of her research with the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences. (Submitted photo)
Finding the BEST program
During her first year at Carolina, Merriam’s mom asked her a simple question: What brings her the most joy?
“I realized I felt most fulfilled when I was helping others learn. That led me to explore education pathways and ultimately the BEST program, which was the perfect fit,” she said.
The program is designed for students passionate about teaching science or mathematics and eager to make a real impact in North Carolina classrooms. Its 24-credit hour pathway leads to teaching licensure in four years. Undergraduates pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, geological science, physics or mathematics and then take education courses and complete a student-teaching internship.
“I appreciate how structured and intentional the program is at making it manageable to pair with a science major,” said Merriam. “My professors, advisers and peers are deeply invested in supporting future educators.”
Merriam taught at East Chapel Hill High School, fulfilling her love of teaching from a young age.
“Through the School of Education, I’ve gained a strong foundation in educational theory, instructional strategies, and classroom management. More importantly, I’ve learned how to support diverse learners and build meaningful relationships with students,” said Merriam. “Teaching in the classroom has taught me far more than I could have imagined. It has shown me the importance of flexibility, empathy and truly understanding students as individuals.”
Merriam will continue marine science research at the Bald Head Island Conservancy after graduating in May. (Submitted photo)
Diving into scientific research
Aside from student teaching, Merriam did research in Morehead City through the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences. She worked with veterinarian Greg Lewbart, collecting data on wild cnidarian (aquatic invertebrates) along the North Carolina coast. In addition to her fieldwork, she conducted a literature review to examine how climate change may impact the proliferation of cnidarian species.
She’ll continue that work after graduation, working at the Bald Head Island Conservancy with Lewbart. She hopes to work in conservation and teach high school math and science.
“The program emphasized learning through evidence-based inquiry and real-world observation, which allowed me to deeply understand the material,” said Merriam. “The hands-on nature of the experience and frequent fieldwork made the learning incredibly immersive.”
