In the world of science, age often takes a backseat to curiosity—and Jackson Oswalt is living proof. At only 12 years old, this young mind from Memphis, Tennessee, made headlines by achieving nuclear fusion in his bedroom. His remarkable achievement didn’t just earn him a Guinness World Record—it also sparked curiosity, admiration, and even an FBI investigation.
So, how did a kid go from gaming to generating plasma? Let’s explore his story.
Table of Contents
Beginning
Like most kids, Jackson started off playing video games in his free time. But he wasn’t content with virtual achievements. After reading about Taylor Wilson, another teen who had achieved fusion, Jackson decided he wanted to do the same—before his 13th birthday. That goal became his obsession.
Instead of just dreaming, Jackson got to work. He dove into YouTube tutorials and science forums, teaching himself the basics of nuclear physics and engineering. With little more than internet access and a big dream, he began ordering parts online to build a fusor.
Build
A fusor isn’t something you’d expect to find in a child’s bedroom. But Jackson wasn’t building a science fair volcano—he was creating a real nuclear fusion reactor. His fusor used deuterium, a type of hydrogen, and a vacuum chamber to generate plasma. He scoured eBay for parts and slowly assembled his setup at home.
On January 18, 2018, just one day before his 13th birthday, he made history. Jackson successfully fused two deuterium atoms, creating plasma and achieving nuclear fusion. Scientists later verified his work, making him the youngest person to ever accomplish this feat at home.
Visit
Of course, playing with nuclear reactions in a residential neighborhood tends to get attention. It wasn’t long before the FBI came knocking. Concerned about possible radiation risks, two agents visited the Oswalt home. They brought Geiger counters and conducted a full inspection.
Their findings? No threat to public safety. Jackson had taken the necessary precautions, and his experiment was well-contained. The visit was a reminder of how important safety is when exploring advanced science, especially at a young age. It also showed that with the right safeguards, even big science can be done responsibly in small spaces.
Shift
After making global headlines with his bedroom reactor, Jackson didn’t stop innovating. He later joined Midjourney, an artificial intelligence research lab. There, he began focusing on hardware interfaces and pushing the limits of AI technology.
His leap from fusion to AI highlights the core of who he is—a relentless explorer. He’s not bound to one field or idea. Whether it’s atoms or algorithms, Jackson is chasing the future with both hands. His story is a reminder of what young minds can do when given room to grow and access to the right tools.
Energy
Nuclear fusion is often called the holy grail of clean energy. Unlike fission, which splits atoms, fusion combines them and creates energy without long-lasting radioactive waste. It’s the same process that powers the sun, and it could one day solve our planet’s energy problems.
While Jackson’s device didn’t produce more energy than it consumed, it still served as a proof of concept. His fusor represents a step toward clean, sustainable power. And perhaps more importantly, it shows that young scientists have a role to play in tackling global challenges like climate change.
Jackson’s experiment lit more than just plasma—it sparked a belief that youth, when curious and motivated, can do the extraordinary. As he continues his journey, one can only wonder what he’ll accomplish next. The bigger picture? Innovation doesn’t wait for adulthood. Sometimes, it starts in a bedroom.
FAQs
Who is Jackson Oswalt?
A boy from Memphis who achieved nuclear fusion at age 12.
What did Jackson build?
He built a working nuclear fusion reactor in his bedroom.
Was his experiment safe?
Yes, the FBI inspected and found no radiation risks.
What is Jackson doing now?
He works at Midjourney on AI and hardware interfaces.
Why is nuclear fusion important?
It offers clean, nearly limitless energy with no long-term waste.
