Ignited Curiosity
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.