Dallas 12-Year-Old Achieves Nuclear Fusion After 4-Year Project

Aiden McMillan may become the youngest person to ever achieve nuclear fusion.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 12-year-old Dallas student named Aiden McMillan has reportedly achieved nuclear fusion after a 4-year-long science project. McMillan, a 7th grader in the Dallas Independent School District, started working on the ambitious project when he was just 8 years old, first studying nuclear physics concepts before building prototypes. He has now applied to Guinness World Records to be recognized as the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion, a record currently held by a Tennessee teen who succeeded just before his 13th birthday in 2018.

Why it matters

Achieving nuclear fusion at such a young age is an extraordinary scientific accomplishment, demonstrating McMillan's advanced understanding of complex physics principles. If confirmed, this would set a new global record and inspire other young students to pursue ambitious STEM projects.

The details

McMillan said he spent the first two years of his project studying nuclear physics before building prototypes. He had to assure his mother that proper safety precautions were in place. The project culminated in McMillan successfully achieving nuclear fusion, which he described as "tearing up about it cause it was like, hard to describe. It was like the end of a long, long journey."

  • Aiden McMillan started the project when he was 8 years old.
  • McMillan achieved nuclear fusion in February 2026, at the age of 12.

The players

Aiden McMillan

A 12-year-old 7th grade student in the Dallas Independent School District who achieved nuclear fusion after a 4-year science project.

Jackson Oswalt

A Tennessee native who previously held the record for the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion, succeeding just before his 13th birthday in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“There were some alarm bells with my mom, yes, she was like, ' Whoa, whoa, whoa, take a step back, tell me exactly what could go wrong, and how it could go wrong and make sure it doesn't go wrong,'”

— Aiden McMillan (NBC DFW)

“We got neutrons, yeah. Kind of tearing up about it cause it was like, hard to describe. It was like the end of a long, long journey.”

— Aiden McMillan (NBC DFW)

What’s next

McMillan is now applying to Guinness World Records to be recognized as the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion.

The takeaway

Aiden McMillan's remarkable achievement at just 12 years old demonstrates the incredible potential of young students to push the boundaries of science and innovation. His success will undoubtedly inspire other students to pursue ambitious STEM projects and strive for groundbreaking discoveries.