At only 12 years old, he doesn't spend his free time playing video games like most kids his age. No, this young American prefers to devote it to science. And rightly so: he's accomplished a scientific feat... which earned him a visit from the FBI and a world record! We tell you the incredible story of Jackson Oswalt.
Kautilya Katariya became the youngest programmer at the age of 6. Laurent Simons earned his engineering degree at 9… And many other names could enrich this list.
The history of science is indeed full of young prodigies. And the one you're about to read is no exception: it's that of a little genius, Jackson Oswalt, who almost got into trouble.
From gamer to amateur nuclear physicist
January 18, 2018, Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson Oswalt achieves a scientific feat. Above all, at only 12 years old, he is the youngest person to have accomplished it.
But let's get back to the beginnings of this crazy story. Before becoming a little science prodigy, Jackson Oswalt was just another boy, passionate about video games. Until he had a "revelation: I realized I could be the best at any video game, but in the end, it wouldn't mean much."
In search of meaning, Jackson turns to the field closest to video games in real life: science, and more specifically, nuclear fusion! He discovered this complex subject thanks to an article on Taylor Wilson: the youngest individual to have created a fusor on his own, at only 14 years old.
It's decided: Jackson will beat his record. To acquire the basic scientific principles necessary to accomplish his project, his method is rather original: watching physics videos, instead of his let’s plays.
But this ambition is not without consequences…
Hello Jackson, this is the FBI
From theory to practice, there is only one step for Jackson: he builds a demonstration fusor, a device producing plasma without achieving complete fusion. At a school science fair, he presents his invention. This event was pivotal: it marked his entry into the world of scientific research.
And the young American's passion did not go under the radar. One morning, there was a knock at the Oswalts' door: it was two FBI agents. The reason? To check for potential radiation risks linked to Jackson's experiments. Equipped with a Geiger counter to measure radioactivity, they ensured that there was no danger to the neighborhood. With no worrying radiation detected, Jackson could continue his research. He later explained: "Building a fusor is a very dangerous process, mainly because of the high voltage used in the reactor. Certain precautions must be taken." A Guinness World Record: He achieved nuclear fusion at just 12 years old. Just a few hours before his 13th birthday, Jackson, using his fusor, fused two atoms of deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen.
Credits: Guinness World RecordsBet accomplished: he becomes the youngest individual to accomplish this feat, and at home! If you're interested in the more "technical" details, here's what Jackson explains: "Essentially, the difference is that fusion involves combining two elements; while fission involves splitting an atom. I managed to use electricity to accelerate two deuterium atoms, so that they fuse into one helium-3 atom, releasing a neutron. This neutron can then be used to heat water and power a steam turbine, which in turn produces electricity."
February 2, 2018. The open source research consortium Fusor.net has verified Jackson's impressive feat, which fusion researcher Richard Hull confirms. The young American joins the list kept by the scientist, which lists amateurs who have successfully performed a fusion at home.
October 6, 2020. Guinness World Records announces Jackson as one of the stars of its edition 2021. His story is a testament to the importance of curiosity and perseverance in achieving one's dreams.
But what about the hopes of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source?
Nuclear fusion: a promise for the future?
"Homemade" fusors are not uncommon, as Richard Hull's list attests: it was therefore Jackson's age that was impressive. Above all, this type of fusor uses a monstrous amount of energy, compared to that which it produces.
For nuclear fusion to be a source of energy, it will have to far exceed the energy required to achieve and maintain fusion. "I hope that nuclear fusion will become a cost-effective energy source and that it will help us fight climate change," Jackson told Guinness.
And Jackson wasn't alone in this hope: ITER, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, has launched an ambitious project for a fusion reactor using two light hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium, to produce energy. The success of this project would represent the promise of carbon-free energy.
Back to Jackson,he now puts his passion for science to good use at Midjourney, the independent research laboratory specializing in artificial intelligence. This new life as a developer of new physical computer interfaces allows him to develop his skills and to participate in current technological innovations.
After seeing his name entered in the Guinness World Records, will Jackson Oswalt see himself recognized among the greatest scientists of our time?
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