Imagine A World

Knight-Hennessy Scholars
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Imagine A World

Inspiring stories of the Knight-Hennessy Scholar community, discussing their visions for a better world and their impactful work 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 @knighthennessy and visit our website (kh.stanford.edu) for more information.

  1. 11 HR. AGO

    Empowering and Serving a Community

    In this episode, Sydney Hunt ('23 cohort) and Anson Zhou ('24 cohort) speak with Christian Tanja (Senior Assistant Director of Admission) and Jordyn Sanico (Admission Outreach Coordinator). Jordyn and Christian share their guiding values, experiences with mentorship, and interesting aspects of the work that they do at Knight-Hennessy Scholars. They also share their improbable facts--such as performing in the Carnegie Hall on two different occasions and being able to three prong spearfish! Highlights from the episode: (04:04) Home and their journeys to Stanford (13:40) Singing in the Carnegie Hall twice (15:07) Mentorship and the people who've supported them along their journeys (19:46) Handling negative inner voices and imposter syndrome (22:56) Interesting aspects about their work (27:17) The inspiration behind their Imagine a World statements (37:12) Improbable facts and rapid fire questions (44:20) What they wish scholars knew

    50 min

  2. JAN 8

    Transforming Lives through Basic Science Research

    In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) and Sydney Hunt ('23 cohort) speak with Yousuf Khan ('19 cohort) about how basic science research can directly improve the lives of everyone, the role that tennis has played in his life, and his experience traveling to New Mexico for a game show. Highlights from the episode: (04:34) The story behind Yousuf's name (06:11) Growing up in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) and attending the University of Maryland (12:05) Developing his current research interests  (28:15) Facilitating the KHS conversation (30:53) Writing his Imagine a World statement and reflecting on the importance of academic humility (36:12) Participating in a Netflix game show

    46 min

  3. 12/11/2024

    Friendship and Belonging as Knight-Hennessy Scholars

    In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) and Ashley Yeh ('24 cohort) speak with a group of scholars and friends about how their Knight-Hennessy Scholars friend group came to be. Sanaa Alam ('23 cohort), Hannah Melville-Rea ('23 cohort), Leona Neftaliem ('23 cohort), Jocelyn Ricard ('23 cohort), and Takondwa Semphere ('23 cohort) give us an insider's look at some of the beautiful moments within their friendship and discuss how various aspects of KH programming have helped them to meet and strengthen their bonds with each other--mentioning Immersion Weekend, Day One, the retreats, Storytelling with Dan and Lisa, and the Deep Dive sessions. Highlights from the episode: (05:43) How they met--reflecting on KH Immersion Weekend, Day One, Fall Retreat, Storytelling with Dan and Lisa, and Deep Dive sessions. (13:36) First impressions of each other. (18:16) How regularly meeting at Denning for Lunch helped with strengthening their bond (21:35) Sanaa's Dance Moms Instagram fan page (26:06) Watching Alma compete in the Miss USA competition on TV (30:53) Some favorite memories and experiences with each other (35:51) Staying in touch after graduating (41:30) Their similarities (44:12) Rapid fire questions about who is the most likely to start a viral TikTok trend, survive a Zombie apocalypse, plan a spontaneous trip to another country, and win an argument with a complete stranger. (51:43) Advice on building authentic and enduring friendships while in KH

    1h 1m

  4. 11/27/2024

    The Art of Cultivating a Community

    In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 cohort) and Sydney Hunt ('23 cohort) speak with Marcus Frost ('19 cohort) about his memories of home, transition to Stanford, experiences navigating cancer, chemotherapy, and recovery, and ideas for how to check in on your friends. Highlights from the episode: (04:34) Delicious go-to dishes when cooking (07:07) Reminiscing on home and journey to Stanford (19:50) So you want to build a microscope? and reasons behind getting involved in medicine (27:17) Navigating cancer, chemotherapy, and recovery (32:56) How to check in on your friends (38:30) Improbable facts (42:29) Advice for those applying to Knight-Hennessy

    47 min

  5. 11/13/2024

    Traveling in Turkey with Scholars

    Join us for Part 2 of a Knight-Hennessy Global Study Trip (GST) to Turkey! In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 Cohort) speaks with Jocelyn Ricard and Pierce Garver (both '23 Cohort) as they recap their memories from their 10-day trek in Turkey. Highlights from the episode: (2:24) First impressions of Turkey and go-to Turkish treats.(13:33) Lessons learned from site visits.(19:34) Hopes, expectations, and reality of the Turkey GST.(30:19) Rapid fire questions about the group dynamics and events.

    47 min

  6. 10/30/2024

    Traveling Turkey with Ayça Alemdaroğlu

    Join us on a Knight-Hennessy Global Study Trip (GST) to Turkey! In this episode, Willie Thompson ('22 Cohort) speaks with Ayça Alemdaroğlu, the Associate Director of the program on Turkey and a research scholar at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at Stanford University, who also served as the Faculty Leader for the Turkey GST. Highlights from the episode: (3:04) Ayça's upbringing, journey to Stanford, and love of political theory.(8:44) Ayça's research on the most recent election in Turkey.(17:50)Ayça's experience coordinating GSTs and what she hopes the our group learns from our time together in Turkey.

    29 min

  7. 10/16/2024

    Tackling Concussions and Alzheimer's through Bioengineering

    We're back for Season 2 of IAW! Kick back, relax, and listen to Sydney and Willie's conversation with Douglas Henze (2023 Cohort). Highlights from the episode: (7:04) Douglas's journey from playing football in Birmingham, Alabama, to focusing on engineering at Stanford.(19:43) Douglas reflects on his struggles with concussions and how his experience shaped his research focus on aging and Alzheimer’s.(25:18) Douglas discusses balancing gratitude with acknowledging life's challenges.(33:25) What do people often get wrong about STEM folks?(48:11) Improbable Fact(s)!

    55 min

  8. 10/09/2024

    IAW Season 2 Begins Next Week!

    Tune into our first episode of season 2 next week! We've got new hosts and new perspectives, but the same authenticity from our KHommunity.

    1 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Inspiring stories of the Knight-Hennessy Scholar community, discussing their visions for a better world and their impactful work 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 @knighthennessy and visit our website (kh.stanford.edu) for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Knight-Hennessy Scholars
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars
  • Show Website
    Imagine A World

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