Imagine A World

In this episode, Tomo Kumahira (2022 cohort), who is pursuing a joint MBA and MS degree in environment and resources (EIPR), talks about thinking creatively about agriculture and water use in response to climate change, working at a startup in coastal Kenya, inspiring communities through blogging, and dishwashing at a Michelin restaurant. He also discusses learning in multicultural environments, the Knight-Hennessy application, curiosity at Denning House, and so much more. 

Highlights from the episode:

• (2:18) Tomo’s upbringing in Japan and his experiences studying as an undergraduate at Brown University
• (9:30) What motivated Tomo to work in finance for water and agriculture 
• (15:58) Tomo’s time working for Komaza, a forestry company in Kenya
• (20:11) What brought Tomo to Stanford and Knight-Hennessy, experiences at Knight-Hennessy, and where he hopes to head next
• (27:50) Tomo’s experiences starting a blog, experimenting with photography and working at a Michelin-star restaurant 
• (35:36) Tomo’s hopes for what the world will look like in 15-20 years
• (38:52) Tomo’s improbable facts and tips on udon-making 
• (41:17) Tomo’s advice for applicants to Stanford and Knight-Hennessy

Want to learn more about Tomo's work? Check out his blog and his current water and agriculture venture, Project Mizu.

Imagine a World is a podcast sharing the stories of scholars in the Knight Hennessy community, an interdisciplinary, multicultural graduate fellowship funding scholars across all seven schools of Stanford University (learn more about how the podcast started here!). To stay up to date, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, follow Knight Hennessy Scholars on social media (@KnightHennessy) and visit our website to learn more about our fellowship program and our vibrant community.

In this episode of the Imagine A World podcast from Knight-Hennessy Scholars, we explore the potential of improving access to high-quality medical and scientific technologies. Our guest, Maya Durvasula shares her personal journey from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Duke University. In addition to sharing her experience at Duke, which was precluded by a gap year in local New Mexico politics , Maya shares what led her to pursue a J.D. /Ph.D. joint degree between Stanford Law School and the Department of Economics, the power of mentorship, where she feels most optimistic about the future, and so much more.

Highlights from this episode:

• (4:12) Maya's upbringing and her journey to Stanford / Knight-Hennessy Scholars
• (13:16) What life as a J.D./Ph.D. is like
• (19:27) Maya's perspective on the focal points for improving access to medicine and where she finds optimism
• (28:14) Maya's testament to the power of mentorship, her hobbies, and how her priorities have changed over time
• (34:45) Maya's Improbable facts
• (37:49) Maya's advice to prospective Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Don't miss this captivating conversation that will ignite your own sense of exploration and self-discovery. Follow Knight Hennessy Scholars on social media (@KnightHennessy) and visit our website (kh.stanford.edu) to learn more about our fellowship program and our vibrant community.

In this episode of the Imagine A World podcast from Knight-Hennessy Scholars, we explore the power of words and the impact they can have. Our guests, Kay Barrett and Lydia Burleson share their personal journeys from Tennessee and rural Texas to the University of Virginia and Yale respectively. In addition to sharing their journeys to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, Kay and Lydia both expound on why they chose the Ph.D. program in Stanford's English department, where they get inspiration from their work, how they navigate the challenges of graduate student life, literary hot takes, and so much more. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking discussions and gain insights into creating a better world.

Highlights from this episode:

• (2:49) Kay and Lydia's upbringing and their journeys to Knight-Hennessy Scholars
• (15:04) Why Kay and Lydia chose English Literature as their medium for work
• (20:10) Representation in media and where Kay and Lydia find optimism and hope in their work
• (30:38) Reflections on navigating the challenges of graduate student life Overcoming obstacles as a student from a rural background
• (37:19) Kay's literary hot takes
• (42:34) Lydia's reflections on access to education
• (46:51) Kay and Lydia's advice to prospective Knight-Hennessy Scholars
• (50:38) Kay and Lydia's Improbable facts

Don't miss this captivating conversation that will ignite your own sense of exploration and self-discovery. Follow Knight Hennessy Scholars on social media (@KnightHennessy) and visit our website (kh.stanford.edu) to learn more about our fellowship program and our vibrant community.

Welcome to the Imagine A World podcast. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories of the Knight-Hennessy Scholar community, discussing their visions for a better world and the impactful work they're doing to bring it to life. From representation in the media to access to medicine, climate change, and more, we delve into meaningful conversations that will leave you feeling inspired. Follow us on social media @KnightHennessey and visit our website for more information.