Sultan Khanfar Selected for Amgen Scholars Program

April 22, 2025
"It's an incredible honor to receive opportunities like this..."

University of Florida sophomore Sultan Khanfar has been selected for the Amgen Scholars Program. The chemistry major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will attend Stanford University for the fully funded, eight-week program.

The Amgen Scholars Program provides undergraduate students the chance to work on cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of distinguished faculty at some of the world’s leading research institutions, including Stanford, Harvard, and Yale. Scholars also participate in professional development workshops, lectures, journal clubs, and more. The program concludes with the North America Symposium in Los Angeles, where all Amgen Scholars present their summer research through oral presentations and posters.

Khanfar is not a novice researcher, having spent several years studying neuroinflammation and brain-body communication in UF labs. His academic and research accomplishments have also recently earned him the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Khanfar’s goals include earning an M.D./Ph.D. and translating scientific discoveries into meaningful patient outcomes.

Student Success spoke to Khanfar after his acceptance into the program.

 What motivated you to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?

I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to focus on long-term—my interests are broad, even within neuroinflammation. I saw the Amgen Scholars Program as a way to fully immerse myself in research over the summer, free from the demands of coursework, and to explore those interests in a new environment.

I was also drawn to the program’s emphasis on professional development—refining my CV, building stronger presentation skills, and preparing for graduate school alongside dedicated mentors and peers. It’s a rare and meaningful opportunity to grow both as a researcher and as a future graduate student.

Why did you choose Stanford from the 25 host institutions participating in the program?

Stanford’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and its strengths in neuroscience, immunology, and systems biology aligned closely with the kinds of questions I want to explore—particularly around brain-body communication and chronic disease. I was especially drawn to its focus on translational science and the way research there often bridges molecular discovery with clinical relevance.

For someone like me who hopes to pursue an M.D./Ph.D., access to world-class faculty and resources means the chance to grow in an environment that values both rigorous science and real-world impact. And, of course, getting to spend the summer in Palo Alto—surrounded by beautiful weather, weekend trips to the coast, and way too many visits to In-N-Out—doesn’t hurt either.

What about the Amgen Scholars Program at Stanford excites you the most?

 What excites me most is the chance to be fully immersed in research at a university that brings together some of the brightest minds in science. I’m looking forward to joining a cohort of students from across the country—each bringing their own ideas, questions, and perspectives—and growing alongside them.

There’s something really energizing about being in a place where everyone is driven by curiosity, and I can’t wait to be part of that environment.

What advice do you have for other students interested in prestigious awards?

Don’t approach these awards as a checklist—focus on doing work that genuinely excites you and let everything else follow from that. Build meaningful, lasting relationships with mentors, ask thoughtful questions, and take your growth seriously.

These applications are really just a reflection of the curiosity, care, and effort you’ve invested over time. If you start by pursuing something that matters to you and give it your full effort, the writing part becomes much easier.

Is there anything else you want to share?

It’s an incredible honor to receive opportunities like this, but I’ve come to realize that awards and fellowships don’t define your success, your potential, or your value. They’re just one reflection of a much longer journey—one that’s shaped by effort, growth, and the people who support you along the way. Whether or not recognition comes, you should always be proud of the work you’ve done and the path you’re carving out for yourself. That’s what really matters.