Adam Farsheed, PhD, is a problem solver. His curiosity about the world is clearly that of an engineer, driven by mathematics and physics. But Farsheed is not all brains—he also leads with his heart, caring deeply for people and allowing those relationships to shape and inspire his path.  “My dad has a crazy life story,” says Farsheed. “In his freshman year at the University of Southern California, he became stranded with no money when his government back home in Iran—which his dad worked for—was overthrown.” Farsheed’s father’s story broke his world open at an early age, pulling him away from the typically small world of adolescence. With time, his father dug himself out of the hole he had been dropped in, eventually starting his own software company. “My dad’s story showed me a lot of life is luck. I just got luckier than people who did not have my starting point,” he says. “And because of that, I always try to help people as much as possible.” My biggest motivation is to mentor, teach, and make positive change in the world. I love my research endlessly, but giving back is where I find the most fulfillment. If I’m not doing that,…