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.

Sustainability in Agriculture and Water

Imagine A World