A Dallas seventh grader has achieved a milestone most scientists only attempt in advanced laboratories. After four years of after-school work, 12-year-old Aiden McMillan successfully produced nuclear fusion inside a homemade reactor and is now seeking recognition from Guinness World Records as the youngest person to do so.
The achievement follows years of research, testing, and assembly in a spare room at home, where McMillan gradually built a device capable of generating tiny fusion reactions, according to local reports. His interest in fusion began at age 8, and he spent roughly two years studying nuclear physics concepts before attempting his first prototype.
Nuclear fusion is the process that powers stars, including the Sun. It occurs when light atomic nuclei combine under extreme conditions, releasing energy. While McMillan’s reactor does not generate usable electricity, it recreates fusion reactions on a very small scale inside a sealed chamber. The proof of success comes from detecting neutrons, particles released when fusion occurs.
Building the system required far more than curiosity. McMillan had to learn how to work with high-voltage equipment, vacuum pumps, and radiation detection tools. Safety was a central concern, particularly for his family. Before construction moved forward, he had to clearly explain the risks and demonstrate that safeguards were in place.
The project involved years of trial and error. Evenings and weekends were spent refining calculations, troubleshooting components, and improving the setup. At one point, progress stalled repeatedly before the system finally produced detectable neutron emissions, confirming fusion had taken place.
If verified, McMillan would surpass the previous record held by Jackson Oswalt, who achieved fusion shortly before turning 13 in 2018. Regardless of record status, the accomplishment places him among a small group of amateur fusion experimenters worldwide.
Beyond the technical achievement, the project has sparked national attention and conversations about hands-on STEM education. Supporters note that access to tools, mentorship, and encouragement can allow young students to pursue projects once considered out of reach.
For McMillan, fusion is not just a science experiment but a glimpse of what he calls the energy of the future. Rather than a final achievement, he views the breakthrough as a foundation for deeper exploration into physics and engineering.
