Seeking an internship in public health, healthcare, environment, or sustainability.
For a copy of Nita’s resume, please email (program@shecan.global).
Nita Touch is a second-year student at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Biology, Society & Environment. Prior to this, she spent 18 months at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, studying Biological Engineering, where she earned impressive academic distinctions, including a 3.94 GPA in her first year and a 3.70 GPA in her second year.
Nita grew up in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she lived with her younger sister and mother, who worked at a thrift store to support the family. Despite significant hardships, Nita consistently ranked in the top three of her class and served as class monitor throughout both high school and university. Thanks to merit scholarships, Nita was able to attend high school at a low cost.
At the University of Minnesota, Nita has taken on several leadership roles, demonstrating her commitment to both her academic and extracurricular endeavors. In summer 2024, she served as an Orientation Leader, assisting over 8,000 new students in their transition to university life. Nita is also a Peer Coach at the College of Liberal Arts Career Services, where she helps fellow students with career development and readiness. Additionally, she is a Health Advocate through the Boynton Health program, offering support to residents with health concerns, dispensing over-the-counter medications, and responding to emergencies. Nita was recently selected as a Clean Energy Leader through the Institute on the Environment at UMN, where she collaborates with peers to promote the transition to clean energy and raise awareness about sustainability. She is also a board member of the Minnesota International Student Association.
Before coming to the U.S., Nita led the Better Education project with support from SHE CAN, a community service initiative focused on improving access to education for underserved rural children in Prey Veng Province. Through this project, she raised funds to establish a library at Beoung Krateb Primary School, providing 350 bilingual English/Khmer storybooks and essential study and hygiene supplies to 250 children. Nita also volunteered as a biology tutor for Rean Buddies, an online study club dedicated to supporting low-income high school students from across Cambodia.
Nita is passionate about environmental issues and animal welfare. In late 2022, she volunteered with the Climate Heroes Project, educating high school students in Kampot Province about environmental conservation. From September 2022 to August 2023, she worked with Animal Rescue Cambodia, a non-profit focused on improving the welfare of dogs and cats. Her responsibilities included managing operations, providing customer service, ensuring animal welfare, handling financial processes, and acting as a liaison between the organization and government ministries.
Through her volunteer experiences, Nita observed the lack of healthcare support and educational opportunities for young people in Cambodia, especially in the fields of science and environmental education. With her degree from the U.S., Nita plans to return to Cambodia to focus on improving health equity, addressing environmental challenges, and advocating for the importance of science and research. Nita is determined to inspire Cambodian women to pursue their dreams and seize opportunities.
Highlights from Nita’s Work Experience:
- Founder and Director, Better Education project in Cambodia
- Admin and Receptionist, Animal Rescue Cambodia
- Biology Tutor, Rean Buddies project
- Volunteer, Climate Heroes
- Orientation Leader, University of Minnesota (Summer 2024)
- Peer Coach, College of Liberal Arts Career Services (Fall 2024-present)
- Clean Energy Leader, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota (Fall 2024-present)
- Health Advocate, Boynton Health program (Fall 2024-present)
- Board Member, Minnesota International Student Association
Languages Spoken: English and Khmer
