Teddy Adams, Physics
Lighting the Way: Teddy Adams’ Journey from Adversity to Innovation
In the quiet labs of UC Merced, where sunlight is transformed into solutions and nanomaterials promise cleaner futures, Teddy Adams is crafting more than just cutting-edge technology — he’s building a legacy of resilience, representation and purpose.
Born into an Egyptian immigrant family, Adams’ early life was marked by instability and hardship. Yet amid the turbulence, a pivotal act of kindness changed everything: a close friend’s family welcomed him into their home, offering the safety and support he needed to complete high school. “That experience showed me what encouragement could feel like,” he recalled. “It gave me the strength to pursue education not just for myself, but to uplift others.”
That ethos now drives his work as a physics Ph.D. student at UC Merced. Drawn to the university’s collaborative spirit and its commitment to underrepresented students, Adams found a mentor in Professor Sayantani Ghosh. “She’s shown me how to balance rigorous science with mentorship and leadership,” he said. “Her support has helped me believe in my own ideas.”
His research focuses on developing lead-free perovskite photo-devices — materials that harness sunlight to clean water and enhance biomedical imaging. It’s a fusion of environmental sustainability and healthcare innovation, designed to tackle global challenges with local impact. “Physics can be socially meaningful,” he explained. “It’s not just about understanding the world — it’s about improving it.”
That mission was affirmed when Teddy received the Department of Defense NDSEG Fellowship, a prestigious award supporting his work in water remediation. “It was a moment of validation,” he said. “Not just for the science, but for the belief that technology should serve humanity.”
Today, Adams stands as a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity. His journey — from a turbulent childhood to the forefront of scientific innovation — is a beacon for students who dare to dream beyond their circumstances. And as he continues to mentor others, he’s proving that the most powerful discoveries often begin with a simple act of support.
