Born in Iran, Javad pursued his American dream after settling in the U.S. Lawrence Tech’’s hands-on education played a big role, particularly the professor who never accepted doing one’s best. “I had to go above and beyond!” said Javad. He risked a comfortable lifestyle when he started his own innovation company, Futek Advanced Sensor Technology. But the risk paid off: one of his sensors was used in technology to explore the landscape on Mars. Javad also tells students: work on your network, challenge yourself and don’t be afraid of adversity. “Be solution-minded. Life is a package deal. Accept it.”