Discover the inspiring journey of Mingmar Sherpa, a young Nepalese scholar who is using his education and technology to uplift his community. From overcoming challenges in rural Nepal to pursuing opportunities at prestigious institutions like MIT, Sherpa’s story is one of hope and optimism.
Growing up in rural Solukhumbu, Nepal, Mingmar Sherpa was surrounded by people working in the tourism industry. With limited access to education and healthcare, he excelled at an English-language middle school, becoming the top student in his class. This success enabled him to pursue higher education in Kathmandu, where he began thinking about how to use his newfound access to education and technology to uplift his community.
Sherpa pursued a degree in biology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where he joined a research lab and discovered the joys of basic research. He continued to deepen his passion for biological science and developed skills such as research communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherpa started The Bright Vision Foundation, an organization aiming to raise standards of healthcare and education in underserved communities in Nepal.
The Bright Vision Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and eye care services to underprivileged communities worldwide.
Founded in 2010, the foundation has established over 50 eye clinics in developing countries, offering free eye exams, surgeries, and glasses to those in need.
With a focus on sustainable development, The Bright Vision Foundation also provides training and resources for local healthcare professionals to ensure long-term impact.
At MIT, Sherpa has been exposed to a wide range of opportunities, including workshops, collaborations, networking, and funding possibilities. His principal investigator, Professor Adam C. Martin, views making international trainees aware of these opportunities as crucial for creating a supportive environment. Sherpa’s experiences at MIT have further clarified his goals and view of the paths he can take to achieve them.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Founded in 1861, MIT is known for its academic programs in science and engineering.
The university has produced many notable alumni, including 98 Nobel laureates and numerous astronauts, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
MIT is consistently ranked as one of the top universities globally, with a strong focus on innovation and research.
Sherpa plans to pursue a PhD in biomedical and biological sciences with a focus on cancer biology at Cornell University in the fall. In the longer term, he aims to develop policy to improve public health. He is gearing up to organize a health camp in the spring to bring doctors to rural areas in Nepal, not only to provide care but also to gather data on nutrition and health.
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.
It occurs when genetic mutations disrupt normal cellular processes, leading to the formation of tumors.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer accounts for 1 in 6 deaths worldwide.
The most common types of cancer include breast, lung, colon, prostate, and skin cancers.
Research has identified various genetic and environmental factors contributing to cancer development, including smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infections.
Sherpa’s commitment to his community extends beyond his research work. He regularly sends money back to his hometown to support a computer lab that has taught almost 250 students critical computer skills essential for working in today’s digitally driven world. His organization, The Bright Vision Foundation, aims to raise standards of healthcare and education in underserved communities in Nepal.
Mingmar Sherpa’s story is one of hope and optimism. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained committed to his community and pursued opportunities that would allow him to make a positive impact. His experiences at MIT have provided him with valuable skills and knowledge, which he will use to continue his work in improving public health and education in Nepal.
Sherpa’s three passions are intertwined: leadership, research, and human health. He is dedicated to developing policy to improve public health and is committed to using his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on his community. His story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges, demonstrating the power of perseverance and commitment to making a difference.
‘I want to help improve people’s lives in my community, especially in Nepal. There might be other parts of the world that are even more vulnerable than Nepal, but I know my community, so I want to help.’
- mit.edu | Always looking to home
