Most 12-year-olds spend their time playing video games, but Jackson Oswalt had a different idea. One day, he had what he called an “epiphany”—realizing that no matter how good he got at games, it wouldn’t really mean anything. So, instead of gaming, he threw himself into science, specifically nuclear fusion.
Using YouTube tutorials and online research, Jackson spent over a year collecting materials and testing his experiment. He first built a “demo fusor” to create plasma, which he even took to his school’s science fair. Eventually, he succeeded in achieving nuclear fusion in his bedroom—just one day before turning 13. His accomplishment was officially verified by Fusor.net, making him the youngest person to ever do so.
But Jackson’s scientific success also caught the attention of the FBI. One Saturday morning, two agents showed up at his house with a Geiger counter, scanning for any potential radiation hazards. Luckily, his experiment hadn’t caused any dangerous fallout, and after a quick inspection, the agents left. Reflecting on the experience, Jackson later joked, “Fortunately, I remained a free man.”
Now, years later, Jackson has turned his skills toward artificial intelligence, working with research labs like Midjourney. His journey from a curious kid experimenting at home to a professional researcher shows just how far determination and a love for science can take you—even if it means an unexpected visit from the FBI.
