Nathan Thomas: Five quick facts to know about 18-year-old youngest professor

Nathan Thomas, an 18-year-old American academic, has made history after being recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male professor.

Here are five quick facts about his remarkable achievement:

1. He is the world’s youngest male professor

Nathan Thomas was officially recognised by Guinness World Records on July 27, 2026, as the youngest male professor after joining the faculty of Miami Dade College at the age of 18 years and 346 days.

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2. He broke a 306-year-old record

Thomas surpassed the long-standing record held by Colin Maclaurin, who became a professor at Marischal College in Aberdeen, Scotland, at the age of 19 in 1717. Maclaurin’s record had stood for more than three centuries.

3. He began college at just 10 years old

Thomas started his academic journey unusually early, enrolling at Miami Dade College as a dual-enrolled student at the age of 10. At 14, he transferred to Florida International University to continue his studies.

4. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees before turning 19

By the age of 18, Thomas had completed both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating with honours in both programmes—an achievement far ahead of the typical academic timeline.

5. He also surpassed the youngest female professor’s record

Thomas’s appointment came 16 days earlier than the age at which Alia Sabur became the world’s youngest female professor in 2008. Sabur was 18 years and 362 days old when she set her record.

In addition to teaching, Thomas is already involved in academic research. He is listed as a co-author on a research project at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus, highlighting his contributions to engineering research alongside his faculty responsibilities.