Wade Adams

Wade Adams is an Associate Research Professor at Rice University, affiliated with the George R. Brown School of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Adams holds a B.S. in Physics from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.S. in Health Physics from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. His research focuses on advanced materials, carbon nanomaterials, and multifunctional materials for extreme conditions.

• Education: B.S. Physics (USAF Academy, 1968), M.S. Health Physics (Vanderbilt, 1970), Ph.D. Polymer Science (UMass, 1984)

His research spans carbon nanotube synthesis, material characterization, and applications in energy, composites, and biomedical fields. Recent articles emphasize nanotube functionalization, wafer-scale films, and catalyst residue mitigation. He led the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, the world's first organized nanotech center.

• Awards: Fellow of American Physical Society (2002), Fellow of Air Force Research Laboratory (2005)

Dr. Adams' career includes roles as Director of the Smalley Institute (2002–2012), Associate Dean of Engineering (2012–2013), and Senior Faculty Fellow (2013–present). His work bridges academic and industrial applications, particularly in nanotechnology for energy and defense sectors.

He co-founded the Smalley Institute and contributed to seminal advancements in carbon nanomaterials, including SWNT purification and macroscopic fiber fabrication.