Adi grew up in Los Angeles. He studied at Cornell University, majoring in mathematics and economics. As an undergraduate Adi’s research interests were in stochastic processes and game theory. Adi completed a Masters degree in operations research and applied mathematics and entered the University of Pittsburgh’s Physician Scientist Training Program. As a medical student and Doris Duke research fellow, Adi helped develop computer simulations to optimize organ transplant allocations, and simultaneously developed an interest in the neurosciences. Under the mentorship of L. Dade Lunsford and Douglas Kondziolka, he researched the effect of Gamma Knife radiosurgery on various pathologies of the nervous system. Outside of neurosurgery, Adi is a classically trained pianist, and has also played the guitar and drums in various touring bands.