Teenager Achieves Nuclear Fusion in University Sub-Basement
Taylor Wilson achieved nuclear fusion at age 14 in a sub-basement lab at the University of Nevada, Reno, becoming the youngest person to do so. Supported by physicist Ron Phaneuf and technician Bill Brinsmead, Wilson built a Farnsworth fusor that produced neutrons, confirming fusion. He later used this expertise to develop nuclear material detectors, earning awards and presenting to President Obama. Wilson remains a working nuclear physicist in Reno.