Imagine A World

Vidal Arroyo, a PhD student in Biophysics, shares his journey as a first-gen college student at Stanford, blending his love for science, poetry, and music. He discusses mental health, faith, and the role of creativity in scientific discovery. From wrestling in Orange County to studying biochemistry, his path reflects a mix of personal and academic growth. Vidal's advice to Knight-Hennessy applicants emphasizes turning work into art and cultivating a well-rounded approach to pursuit.

In this week’s episode, Ashwyn Sam (2020 cohort), 4th year PhD student in Aeronautics and Astronautics, reflects on the profound impact that a strong support system and the compassion of others have had on his professional journey. He also explains the beauty of theoretical physics, shares his passion for cinema, and reveals the reason he was fed goat brains as a child.Highlights from the episode: (3:40) Ashwyn’s path to immigration to the United States from India, the advocacy of his parents in finding a scholarship to attend college, and how his experiences inform his Imagine a World statement(22:30) The origination of Ashwyn’s interest in physics in The Big Bang Theory, and the factors leading to his his switch to engineering in college(29:26) Aswhyn’s current research on the detection of small orbital debris (32:30) Ashwyn’s interest in teaching and storytelling, how Knight-Hennessy has allowed him to develop these skills, and the best story he’s heard recently(37:50) How Aswhyn’s faith influences his approach to life(41:26) Ashwyn’s improbable facts and advice for Knight-Hennessy applicants

Aditya Vishwanath, a PhD graduate in Learning Sciences, discusses education reform, technology integration, and the need to reimagine education. He shares his journey from exam memorization in India to founding organizations. Topics include the limits of technology in education, integrating technology with curricula, and advice for Knight-Hennessy applicants. Plus, a fun twist with Aditya's Pokémon knowledge.

In this episode, Emily Russell (2020 cohort), a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science discusses her upbringing in a large family, combining theatrical performance with political science, how she uses both to understand state violence, her sweet tooth and so much more.Highlights from the episode:(3:06) Emily's winter break dreams of launching a microgreens garden and her upbringing in Michigan (Go Blue!) (12:56) Emily's personal and professional introduction to the idea of state violence and how she envisions a world with no state violence (23:08) Emily's experience building Playwriting for Peace, a project aimed at channeling empathy through expression in communities affected by conflict & state violence and her dissertation research (35:51) How KHS has affected Emily's experience, her improbable facts and advice for future KHS applicants

In this episode, Jaelynn Walls (2021 cohort), a Ph.D. candidate in Art History discusses, their introduction to artistic expression through creative writing, their journey to pursuing opportunities in curation, creating space to discuss contemporary artists of color, and so much more.Highlights from the episode:(4:40) Jaelynn's love for Pixar, growing up in Houston and experiencing both homeschool and public school (13:45) How Jaelynn sparked an interest in art and began to build a following through their YouTube Channel "Art in Color"(26:38) Why Jaelynn focuses on youth in their work, their experience writing a book "The Queer Girl is Going to Be Okay," and how they handle critique(46:22) Jaelynn's improbable facts and advice for future KHS applicants

In this episode, Karishma Bhagani (2021 cohort), a Ph.D. candidate in Theatre & Performance Studies (TAPS), sheds light on the power of art to unite people and encourage empathy, her journey of growing up in Kenya as a fifth-generation East African to moving to New York to pursue a degree in theater and history, leveraging the arts to drive conversations of change, and so much more.Highlights from the episode:(5:10) Karishma’s upbringing in Kenya and childhood training in dancing(9:35) Karishma’s journey into acting and her degree at NYU; her experiences directing and producing, and how they relate to her interest in history(16:06) Karishma’s thoughts on decolonizing the theatre canon by expanding it and critiquing it through a decolonial lens(19:05) The role of mentoring from strong women and parental support in navigating a career in the arts (25:50) Karishma’s motivations for pursuing a PhD in theater and performance studies at Stanford, and closing the gap between academia and practice by using the university as a space for resistance(32:22) How the diversity of the Knight-Hennessy community has shaped Karishma’s vision for the arts(34:54) Karishma’s experience directing and producing the play Haldi and Honey, written by the playwright Aleya Kassam, for her second-year candidacy exam(39:24) Karishma’s improbable facts and her polyglotism (41:24) Karishma’s advice to applicants for Knight-Hennessy

Guest Tomo Kumahira, pursuing an MBA and MS degree, talks about sustainability in agriculture and water, work in coastal Kenya, blogging, multicultural environments, Michelin restaurant experience. Topics include upbringing in Japan, finance in water and agriculture, work at Komaza in Kenya, Knight-Hennessy application, starting a blog, hopes for the future, udon-making, and advice for Stanford/Knight-Hennessy applicants.

Maya Durvasula shares her inspiring journey from New Mexico to Stanford Law School / Department of Economics. She discusses access to medicine, mentorship, and changing priorities. Highlights include her improbable facts and advice for Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

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.