12-Year-Old Dallas Student Achieves Nuclear Fusion and Seeks Guinness World Record

In February 2026, the science community was stunned by the remarkable achievement of 12-year-old Aiden McMillan from Dallas, Texas.

The seventh-grade student at Dallas Independent School District successfully demonstrated nuclear fusion through a personal science project he had been developing for four years.

Aiden has now submitted an application to the Guinness World Records to be recognized as the youngest person ever to achieve nuclear fusion.

How Did a 12-Year-Old Accomplish Nuclear Fusion?

Aiden’s fascination with nuclear physics began at age 8 during the pandemic. He spent the first two years deeply studying theoretical concepts before moving on to building prototypes of his device.

His setup is based on a Farnsworth fusor, a relatively accessible design that enables amateur nuclear fusion using high voltage and deuterium gas.

The definitive proof of success came when Aiden detected neutrons — an unmistakable sign that a nuclear fusion reaction had occurred. Reflecting on the moment, he shared: “I cried a little because it was the end of a very, very long journey.”

His Mother’s Concerns and Safety Measures

Naturally, Aiden’s ambitious project raised serious concerns for his mother. He had to carefully explain every potential risk and the safety protocols he implemented.

“My mom was like, ‘Hold on, hold on, explain exactly what could go wrong and how you’re preventing it,’” Aiden recalled. He assured her that all hazards were addressed and the project adhered to strict safety standards.

Aiming to Break the Existing Guinness Record

The current record for the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion is held by Jackson Oswalt from Tennessee, who completed his fusor just hours before turning 13 in 2018.

Having succeeded at age 12, Aiden McMillan has a strong chance of surpassing this mark and becoming the officially recognized youngest amateur nuclear physicist in history.

VIDEO. Nuclear fusion | Physics | Khan Academy.

What Is Nuclear Fusion and Why Does It Matter?

Nuclear fusion is the process by which light atomic nuclei, such as deuterium and tritium, combine to form heavier ones, releasing enormous amounts of energy. This is the same mechanism that powers the Sun and other stars.

Unlike nuclear fission used in today’s power plants, fusion is considered safer and cleaner, producing no long-lived radioactive waste and offering the promise of virtually limitless clean energy.

While home-built fusors like Aiden’s consume more energy than they produce, they serve as powerful demonstrations of the principle and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Aiden McMillan’s story is a testament to what curiosity, dedication, and hard work can achieve at any age. Young innovators like him may one day help unlock practical nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source for the world.