Nalini Kotecha, a second-year environmental science and bioengineering student and John H. Martinson Honors Program member, attended the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Partners in the Parks (PITP) program. Driven by her love for the outdoors, Nalini sought to meet new people who share her interest in outdoor activities while growing academically and civically in an immersive camping experience hosted in Acadia, Maine. 

Partners in the Parks (PITP) is NCHC's effort to increase national park attendance by helping university honors students learn more about America’s natural wonders. Through the program's immersive, five-day academic adventure, Nalini participated in a variety of new experiences—including camping and trail maintenance volunteering. 

Due to her involvement in the JMHP, Nalini found out about PITP. Nalini also attributes the JMHP Student Challenge Fund’s and Dr. Amy D’Unger’s—JMHP Faculty Director—support as being crucial for her attendance in the program. Alongside being an involved student in the JMHP, Nalini is a Teaching Assistant for APPH 1040 and volunteers her time in student focus groups and related programs to help build them to their best. 

From waking up every at 4:30 AM to soak in the Acadia sunrise to now enjoying starting her day early at 6:30 AM at Georgia Tech, Nalini is excited to continue engaging with the JMHP and its tightly knit support group, fueling her dedication in pursuing meaningful research and field/career related opportunities that can best set her up for graduation. The John H. Martinson Honors Program wishes Nalini good luck as she carries on her passion for nature in her research and career!