American engineer and educator Nathan Thomas made history when he returned to his former college as a professor before turning 19.
Thomas entered a computer science classroom at Miami Dade College in August 2023, where many students were close to his age. Born in the United States on September 9, 2004, he was 18 years and 346 days old at the time, making him the youngest male professor in history.
His achievement ended a record that had lasted more than 300 years. Scottish mathematician Colin Maclaurin had held the title since becoming a professor in 1717 at age 19. Thomas held the record by 16 days over Alia Sabur, the American engineer who became the youngest female professor in 2008 at 18 years and 362 days.
Thomas began his unusual academic journey at age 10, when he enrolled in Miami Dade College through a dual-enrollment program. At 14, he moved to Florida International University. By 18, he had earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, graduating with honors in both.
While many people his age were still in high school, Thomas was already teaching college students.
He said being in a classroom with students his age or older did not feel strange because everyone was there to learn. His goal, he explained, was to do his job well and help students who were willing to work hard.
Both of Thomas’s parents are engineers, and he credits them with influencing his early interest in math and problem-solving. He also says teaching helps him understand subjects more deeply, especially when he sees a student finally understand a difficult idea.
Thomas is now studying for a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Miami School of Law, with graduation expected in 2028. He also teaches online and plans to practice intellectual property law focused on STEM fields.
Away from academics, Thomas says he is a typical 21-year-old. He enjoys basketball, tennis, golf, classical piano, the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, while also listening to Drake, EDM and house music.
He believes people should avoid comparing their timelines with others and instead find what works for them, stay committed and trust the process.
