Sonja Hebel Gerber M.Sc.

Sonja Hebel Gerber is a Biochemist and holds a Master’s degree in Science with a mention in Microbiology from the University of Concepción. She also has a Diploma in University Teaching and is certified in her knowledge of organic gardening. Passionate about teaching and science, Sonja has more than a decade of experience as an educator in various institutions. She is also the founder of Huerta Vikama, a company dedicated to teaching children and adults about agroecological gardening, science, and the recycling of household organic waste. Through active learning methodologies, she connects her students with nature, ensuring that they learn while having fun. Her husband, son, daughter, and the children who attend her workshops have been a constant source of inspiration for Sonja. The curious questions that arise in conversations motivate her to see the world with more creativity, simplicity, and joy. These moments have fueled her passion for teaching and sharing knowledge in an entertaining and accessible way. As a family, they enjoy their love of reading and storytelling, creating special moments that help their children develop a wide vocabulary and the ability to express their ideas clearly. Inspired by the amazing role of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem, Sonja decided to write her first children’s book, The Story of Pollination, with the goal of helping more children learn about nature from a scientific perspective, explained in a simple, fun, and engaging way. In addition to writing, Sonja enjoys cultivating an agroecological garden with her family in the urban area of Concepción, Chile. There, they turn kitchen waste into compost with the help of Californian worms and grow fresh and nutritious food. For her, teaching about gardening goes beyond growing food: it’s about creating small ecosystems at home, where biodiversity flourishes and contributes to the care of the environment. When she’s not teaching, daydreaming, or creating stories, Sonja loves to travel, explore different cultures, observe the microscopic world with her microscope, and connect with nature, always looking for new ways to learn and share her passion for the natural world with her family and students.