18-Year-Old Nathan Thomas Makes History as World’s Youngest Male Professor
At just 18, Nathan Thomas has made history after being recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male professor.
The American engineer and educator set the record when he joined Miami Dade College in August 2023 at the age of 18 years and 346 days. His success came after a 306-year-old record.
Thomas replaced Scottish mathematician Colin Maclaurin, who was a professor at age 19 in 1717.
His academic career started very early in life. Thomas started at Miami Dade College in a dual-enrolment program at age 10 and transferred to Florida International University at 14.
He was a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree Electrical Engineering graduate with honours by 18.
He then started teaching C for Engineers at Miami Dade College where some of his students were almost his age.
Thomas has stated that age was never a problem in the classroom as everyone was there to learn. He also feels that teaching helps him to learn difficult subjects.
His accomplishments are not limited to engineering. He is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Miami School of Law and plans to specialise in intellectual property law focused on STEM.
Thomas is an avid basketball, tennis, golf enthusiast, classical pianist and American sports fan outside of academics.
His incredible journey is a testament to the power of youthful curiosity, determination and achievement, and a testament to what can be achieved when a young person’s abilities are recognised and supported.
