Plaw grew up in Mae Ra Moe refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, before immigrating to the U.S. in 2013. He attended Denver South High School and earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 2025. He is now pursuing a 4+1 Master’s in Engineering and Technology Management at Mines. A first-generation college student, Plaw is driven by resilience and the desire to pay it forward, helping others navigate educational opportunities that can transform their lives.

Leadership highlights:

  • Mentored students in the SUMMET program at Colorado School of Mines, guiding underrepresented youth through campus life and design projects.
  • Served as a role model for first-generation students, sharing his own experiences to inspire growth and perseverance.
  • Advocates for long-term community impact through education and mentorship initiatives.