How I built a nuclear reactor at the age of 13 | Jamie Edwards | TEDxCERN

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. What does it take to build a nuclear reactor? Jamie Edwards started out on his journey at age 13 to beat Taylor Wilson’s record of being the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion. He tells of the obstacles he faced as a young schoolboy while trying to achieve his dream, such as trying to convince his headmaster to order deuterium on ebay.

At 13 years old, Jamie Edwards attempted to become the youngest person ever to achieve nuclear fusion by colliding the nuclei of hydrogen atoms via inertial electrostatic confinement in his school lab. When Jamie told his headmaster about his plan to build the nuclear reactor and asked for funding, the reply was “Will it blow up the school?” Jamie got the funding, and rest assured, the school still stands. For his next project, Jamie – who wants to be a nuclear engineer or work in theoretical physics – has his sights on building a miniature hadron collider. He’s now 14 years old.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[babatulani]

"All you need is curiousity, determination, and an open mind."

And 3 thousand dollars.

[Ubya_]

and then there's my school that won't pay for toilet paper...

[geekaboo]

Teacher, may i use the restroom?
Teacher: no
Him: teacher can I build a nuclear reactor?
Teacher:Yes

[TheUnknown]

When I was 12, I built my first bicycle. At least that's what my dad said after letting me turn the last bolt.

[Kallmekaida]

Meanwhile in the USA. My teacher had to boil water for a physics experiment from behind a plexiglass "blast shield".

[theelephantintheroom]

School spends $3455.98 AU on a fusion reactor,
my school spends $3455.98 on toilet room repairs and graffiti removal.

[anthonymichael]

Next vid: How i conquered the universe at 14

[gametalk]

This kid on a job interview

Interviewer " what's your greatest accomplishment?"

The kid" I built a nuclear reactor when I was 13"

[stroppydave]

There are a few things about this that should be applauded: firstly, as others have mentioned, his motivation. This is great and his enthusiasm is infectious. That he just decided to "do it" is amazing, and the fact that his school supported it is equally amazing. And let's not ignore the fact that his talk is EXCELLENT! Very relaxed, totally absorbing. I had the good fortune to show him and his family around CERN: very nice kid who will go far. Good luck to him!

[maxxi_taxi]

*builds a nuclear reactor at age 13*

Asian parents: Congratulations, you've done the tutorial

[amadeus]

I'm 13 and I can see exactly how this guy made a nuclear reactor. The designs used are ingenious and clearly professional. I understand very well the process of nuclear fusion but I don't think I could come up with these greatly improvised tools and parts, nor find the money for a neutron detector and deuterium gas. For everyone else watching thinking they could never be at all similar to Jamie, you can. He's not much of a prodigy or a genius, he just asked questions and looked for answers. You might think you'll never understand chemistry or physics to such a degree because of how often you hear the advanced vocabulary but all you really have to do is make a few dozen google searches and some take some time to understand and comprehend whatever google tells you.

[cookiedoh]

His tongue seems to keep tap dancing after he speaks each time. lol

[gust]

He just followed the instructions and built a small reactor... If it wouldn't be "atomic", the stupid news wouldn't brag about it. He is a hard-working good kid with big motivation, I think motivation is the key here, but theoretical science is another thing. Hope he will be successful in  following his dreams though

[bryanoberholtzer]

Quite a few jokes about being 13. We get it

[yaltschuler]

At 13 I built a computer for the first time.

Still proud of that, but goddamn is this so much more impressive.

[hyphend]

That 13 year old kid had a tough crowd, like come on, he is trying, laugh you fools.

[_sls]

Next video: "How I colonized the solar system at age 14"

[Sky-dyvn]

My school can't even afford new paint for the art department.

[prasannasellathurai]

I do physics at uni with Jamie. He's great on a night out.

[AnuragDDethe]

You cant do anything with just determination, hard work and an open mind. I wanted to build an orbital rocket a few years ago but I was told to stop doing such nuisances by my parents and to focus on my studies even though my father is a professor of chemistry in the biggest institutes of India he did not support me, its a real shame today that we value bookish knowledge more than actual creativity and intrigue.