Micah Karahadian: Pursuit of Progress

Micah’s pursuit of progress began from an early age, fascinated by the workings of the world and how he could use his mind for the betterment of the world. As a dedicated PhD student working on solid-state fusion technologies, Micah’s journey is a testament to the way that curiosity, community, and collaboration propel this field forward.

From an early age, Micah Karahadian’s fascination with the world’s inner workings was evident. Growing up with a father who was both an electrician and a classic car enthusiast, Micah frequently found himself by his father's side, eagerly assisting in disassembling and reassembling various car components. Those formative years often saw him tagging along to job sites, where his small frame proved invaluable in navigating tight attic crawl spaces to run wiring throughout structures. He recalled one unforgettable incident where he got shocked after accidentally touching a live wire. This event marked the beginning of his unwavering pursuit of understanding the "why" and "how" behind the world's phenomena, not from a place of fear but curiosity.

As Micah progressed through his undergraduate years, his involvement in nuclear physics deepened. Intrigued by the intellectual allure of the field's energy applications, he deliberately steered clear of its potential for harm, expressing, "I'm driven to use my intellect for positive purposes, not causing harm." This commitment prompted a pivotal shift, leading him to secure a role within his university's honors project program. Initially setting his sights on contributing to a hot fusion project, he embarked on thorough research. It quickly became apparent that such a venture's operational costs and safety concerns were formidable barriers. Determined to channel his efforts more effectively, he set out to explore alternative avenues.

Contemplating the challenge, Micah recalls, "I found myself pondering the possibility of achieving fusion without the inherent risks." Guided by this quest, he delved into extensive research, employing the vast resources of Google Scholar to his advantage. During his investigation, he stumbled upon the realm of solid-state fusion, previously referred to as 'cold fusion.' The allure of this uncharted territory was undeniable – a realm where potential beckoned, and technology appeared to offer a trifecta of safety, efficiency, and affordability. Bolstered by these promises, Micah decided to dive right in.

The allure of this uncharted territory was undeniable – a realm where potential beckoned, and technology appeared to offer a trifecta of safety, efficiency, and affordability. Bolstered by these promises, Micah decided to dive right in.

Micah's quest led him to delve into the annals of solid-state fusion literature, immersing himself in the research and progress being made within the field. However, his true integration into the community was catalyzed by the camaraderie and endorsement of fellow scientists. In the initial stages, he contacted Larry Forsley and Pamela Mosier-Boss (whose SSF interviews can be explored here and here), who happened to live in the same city as him, so they could meet up to share information and knowledge. Beyond camaraderie, Larry and Pam generously equipped Micah with essential resources to start doing experiments. The roots of his journey can be traced back to the unwavering belief Larry and Pam invested in him during these fledgling stages, a sentiment echoed by his mentor Heidi Doss who provided invaluable encouragement and guidance.

Micah's support network further extended to luminaries like Peter Hagelstein and his postdoctoral collaborator at the time, Florian Metzler. Their invitation to collaborate at MIT gave him the opportunity to co-design experiments and conduct simulations, crystallizing his ardor for the field. This transformative experience served as a cornerstone, steering Micah decisively towards pursuing his Ph.D. research in solid-state technologies.

This supportive, collaborative element of the solid-state fusion field makes it feel like a community that is open and welcoming to anyone interested in knowing more. Micah emphasized this community aspect as a big motivator and point of inspiration. For Micah, conferences like ICCF are gatherings and rallying points reinforcing the collective will to collaborate and exchange insights. These events are vibrant showcases of how the community unites to share knowledge and press forward toward their shared objectives. This contrasts the competitive air that occasionally permeates the scientific landscape. In the solid-state fusion community, the spirit of collaboration is evident, whether through conferences or in the willingness to nurture fledgling scientists, forming an indispensable cornerstone for progress and the field's expansion. Reflecting on his journey, Micah voices a heartfelt commitment to this ethos. He regards the support from mentors and peers as a beacon of encouragement, motivating him to extend that same support to younger individuals. He feels a responsibility to pave the way for the next generation, uplift, and guide them along the path of discovery.

"What they did for me motivates me to want to do that for someone younger. When I get in their position, I feel like I have a responsibility to pay it forward to the next person and try my best to lift people up and bring them along."

Micah's unyielding passion for science is driven by his thirst for progress. In solid-state fusion, he is drawn forward by its profound potential to address real-world challenges. Micah reflects, "Its ability to make a meaningful impact on people's lives is what propels me. Much of the world's conflicts and disputes stem from resource scarcity. Contributing to a solution for this pressing issue feels like the most impactful contribution I can make as an individual."

Micah envisions a future filled with promise: a secure and safe energy source accessible to all, practically devoid of cost. His aspiration paints a portrait of unity and collective growth, free from resource scarcity and conflict. This vision propels him and resonates deeply within the broader solid-state fusion community.

Micah envisions multiple pathways for implementing solid-state technology. These paths range from large-scale power plants capable of energizing entire cities to a distributed network of small-scale energy devices scattered across landscapes, or even a hybrid fusion of both approaches. One of Micah's paramount visions for solid-state fusion technology revolves around its lack of weaponization potential. He underscores the importance of a proactive approach to design, ensuring that the technology is inherently immune to conversion into destructive devices. This vision guides his work, influencing every device and experiment design facet. Micah's forward-thinking approach, and his dedication of resources, time, and intellectual energy to preemptive design considerations, stand as a testament to his commitment to a future unmarred by the specter of weaponization.

"Its ability to make a meaningful impact on people's lives is what propels me. Much of the world's conflicts and disputes stem from resource scarcity. Contributing to a solution for this pressing issue feels like the most impactful contribution I can make as an individual."

Embarking on the journey toward this envisioned future requires the convergence of funding streams to fuel the development of these transformative technologies. Micah sees growing acceptance within the solid-state fusion field. Still, he contends that the true catalyst for transformative progress lies within private industry, where the impetus to take the bold "investment plunge" could propel the field forward. While governmental involvement, evident by his attainment of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, signifies increasing interest and support for solid-state fusion projects, the urgency demanded by critical global challenges like climate change and resource strife often finds its stride within the nimble arena of private enterprises.

Micah's hope extends beyond mere financial motives; he hopes that private industry's involvement is grounded in a genuine desire to serve humanity and foster global flourishing. He envisions a pivotal moment where the objectives driving private industry's foray into solid-state fusion technology will unveil their true intentions – whether it is fueled by altruism or the pursuit of profit.

In contemplating the trajectory of solid-state fusion's development, Micah anticipates that the solution might end up being simple, playfully alluding to the tendency of scientists to overanalyze. Yet, he is cognizant that this simplicity must be effectively communicated and disseminated to the broader public when the time comes. Drawing inspiration from the eminent scientist Richard Feynman, renowned for his ability to make complex concepts accessible and relatable, Micah underscores the role of effective communication in bridging the gap between science and the wider world.

Micah continues a legacy passed down by mentors and collaborators who share the same profound vision for this technology... scientists who have been doing solid-state fusion research for decades [have] expressed that young scientists like Micah inspire them.

Micah's journey to his current pursuit of a PhD in solid-state fusion stands as a testament to the symbiosis of curiosity and collaboration fueled by a commitment to bettering the world. As a burgeoning scientist within this sphere, Micah continues a legacy passed down by mentors and collaborators who share the same profound vision for this technology. In my interviews with other scientists who have been doing solid-state fusion research for decades, they've all expressed that young scientists like Micah inspire them. With each experiment and connection forged, Micah's unwavering pursuit of progress infuses the field with optimism, nurturing the hope for its sustained growth and transformation.