From Phaplu to Kathmandu: Alumni Spotlight on Tenzing, Nepal’s Youngest Climate Scientist

When Tenzing Sherpa first joined our school at age 7, he was fascinated by the changing weather patterns in his mountain village. Today, at just 24, he’s leading groundbreaking research on Himalayan glacier melt and its impact on local communities.

Born to a family of farmers in a remote village three hours from Phaplu, Tenzing’s early education was uncertain until he received a scholarship to attend our school. His natural curiosity about environmental changes found direction in our science program, where dedicated teachers nurtured his talent.

“The science laboratory at Phaplu School opened my eyes to a world of possibilities,” Tenzing recalls. “Even with limited equipment, our teachers showed us how to observe, question, and investigate the natural world around us.”

After graduating as valedictorian in 2019, Tenzing earned a full scholarship to Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, where he completed his degree in Environmental Science with honors. His undergraduate research on local knowledge of climate change in Sherpa communities caught the attention of international researchers.

Now working with the Nepal Climate Research Center, Tenzing leads a team collecting data on glacier retreat and developing early warning systems for communities vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods. His work bridges scientific research with traditional knowledge, creating climate adaptation strategies that respect local customs and practices.

“My goal is to ensure that mountain communities have the information and tools they need to adapt to our changing climate,” says Tenzing. “The foundation I received at Phaplu School taught me that education isn’t just about personal success—it’s about using knowledge to serve your community.”

Tenzing regularly returns to our school to mentor current students and lead workshops on environmental science. His journey from curious village boy to respected scientist embodies our mission of empowering students to become leaders who address the challenges facing their communities.