Madison Reporter

"Tenzin Phuntsok would call his mother in India for inspiration during tough times at the University of Wisconsin–Madison."

"She loved to learn, so it was a very, very difficult time for her."

- Tenzin Phuntsok

"At spring commencement, Phuntsok will be earning a master’s degree in biotechnology, an achievement shared by his family and the Tibetan community in his hometown of Chauntra, India."

- University of Wisconsin-Madison article

"We just felt it was the right thing do. Coming here was an uphill battle for Tenzin. We believed in him and his career goals and wanted to be part of his success story."

- Bryan Husk, administrative associate director for the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program

"In his UW application, Phuntsok wrote that his primary career focus is to design low-cost diagnostic machines like biosensors for the developing world."

- University of Wisconsin-Madison article

"Phuntsok is immensely grateful that the program took a chance on him."

- University of Wisconsin-Madison article

"I was made to leave not on my will. I couldn’t fight it because it was my parents. I needed to do it, but I was devastated."

- Kunga Dolma, Tenzin Phuntsok's mother

"Essentially, she wants me to become a global citizen and to be kind, since that is how we can best repay His Holiness the Dalai Lama for everything he has done for us."

- Tenzin Phuntsok

Tenzin Phuntsok's journey to earning a master's degree in biotechnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been marked by the unwavering support of his family and the Tibetan community in India. Phuntsok's mother, who emphasized the value of education despite facing personal hardships, instilled in him a deep appreciation for learning.

The Master of Science in Biotechnology Program at UW-Madison made a significant impact by providing financial assistance to Phuntsok, a gesture that had never been extended to a student in the program's 22-year history. Bryan Husk, the program's administrative associate director, highlighted their belief in Phuntsok's potential and commitment to his success.

Phuntsok's educational journey, funded in part by the Tibetan Scholarship Program of The Tibet Fund, reflects his dedication to developing affordable healthcare solutions for underserved communities. His aspirations to create low-cost diagnostic machines stem from personal experiences, including the loss of his father and the belief that accessible healthcare could have prolonged his life.

Despite the distance separating them, Phuntsok's mother, Kunga Dolma, expressed her pride and hopes for her son's future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of following the guidance of the Dalai Lama. Phuntsok, in turn, acknowledges his mother's sacrifices and her desire for him to embody kindness and global citizenship.

As Phuntsok prepares to graduate and embark on his career, his story serves as a testament to resilience, community support, and the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future for individuals and their communities.