Dallas 7th Grader Achieves Nuclear Fusion at 12

A remarkable science project has put a 12-year-old Dallas student, Aiden McMillan, on the path to a potential world record. The seventh-grader successfully produced nuclear fusion, an accomplishment he achieved after four years of dedicated work. His journey began when he was just eight years old, involving two years of intensive study in nuclear physics before construction commenced.

With support from Launchpad, a West Dallas non-profit makerspace, Aiden navigated numerous setbacks and safety checks. The breakthrough moment arrived when his machine generated neutrons, confirming that nuclear fusion had occurred. This significant achievement has drawn global attention, and Aiden is now seeking to be recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest individual to achieve nuclear fusion. He views this accomplishment as a potential stepping stone to a future career in science and innovation, emphasizing fusion's importance for energy.