Nathan Thomas, 18, became the youngest male professor in 306 years. He accepted an engineering teaching position at Miami Dade College in August 2023. Thomas teaches COP 2270: C for Engineers.
His age at the time of appointment was 18 years and 346 days. This surpasses the previous record held by Colin Maclaurin. Maclaurin became a professor in Scotland over 300 years ago.
Thomas also set a record for being younger than the youngest female professor. Alia Sabur set that record in 2008. She was 19 years old at the time.
Academic Background
Thomas began college at age 10. He enrolled at Miami Dade College through a dual-enrollment program. By age 14, he transferred to Florida International University. There, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering.
He completed both degrees with honors. This happened before he turned 19.
Teaching Philosophy
Thomas stated teaching does not feel unusual in the classroom. He told Guinness World Records that everyone is there to learn. Age does not factor into this process. His primary goal is student success.
He aims to help students succeed regardless of background. He credits his parents, both engineers, for his STEM interest. His mother's ability to simplify complex topics influences his teaching style.
Thomas finds satisfaction in seeing students grasp difficult concepts. He described this as a rewarding aspect of teaching.
Current Pursuits
Thomas currently teaches engineering courses online. He is also pursuing a law degree. He expects to complete his law degree in 2028.
His career goal is intellectual property law. This field focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He aims to combine his engineering knowledge with law.
Key Achievements
| Record | Age | Year |
| Youngest Male Professor | 18 years, 346 days | 2023 |
| Youngest Female Professor (Previous Comparison) | 19 years | 2008 |
Thomas's achievement highlights ability over age. His journey demonstrates the impact of dedication and curiosity.
