16-year-old Nigerian, Steven Udotong, is first black student to build nuclear fusor

For ages, scientists across the world have looked upon nuclear fusion as a likely means of addressing most of the world’s energy problems. The reasons for this are many: first, it is inexhaustible; it is also less harmful to environment than the energy sources in use today.

Steven Udotong, a 16-year-old junior at Cinnaminson High School, Southern New Jersey, United States of America, has become the first black student to build this nuclear device. His work has been noticed by the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, a project funded by the US Department of Energy. He was also recently accepted into the Yale Global Scholar Program. He hopes his work would encourage people “to stop fearing the word ‘nuclear’”, because “nuclear energy is a lot safer than people think.”He also hopes the project would “become an example of academic excellence as a vehicle of accomplishment for Black students.”

Udotong was born to Nigerian parents who migrated to the US over twenty years ago. His mother, Nonye, is a physicist who has taught at Rowan University, while his father, Isaac, is a computer scientist. In this interview conducted online, the teenager tells NAZA OKOLI how he intends to revolutionise the world through his work.

How did you come to build a nuclear fusor? What inspired it?

In my sophomore year at high school, I grew curious about nuclear energy after we flew by the topic in Chemistry. I decided to research more about it over the internet and soon learned that I could build my own DIY nuclear fusor. I am now inspired by the large amount of donations that were made for my cause and I have a strong cause to finish this project as soon as possible.

You have been called “the first black student” to create a nuclear fusor. Is it usually the case that students produce nuclear fusors?

There have been other high school students who have accomplished this feat before, but it seems to be a rare thing to do.

And why do you think a black student hasn’t done this before now?

In America, unfortunately, black students have not been as successful in their education as the average American.

What is the stage now?

The project is not complete yet, but I am on pace to finish before senior year begins – September

Why is this work important? Some say it is not a very “safe” means of generating energy.

This work is important because it is experimenting with a new way to create energy. Although it isn’t the safest method to generate power, it does give the highest yield of energy per gram of fuel, and it also has a less damaging effect on the environment compared to the power sources we have been okay with (fossil fuels, coal, etc).

Is it something a developing country such as Nigeria could benefit from?

A developing country like Nigeria should look into using this as another means to generate power. However, they should make sure to take every safety precaution seriously.

Have you been to Nigeria?

I have not been to Nigeria yet, but some of my brothers had travelled to our home country on business.

What message do you have for young people in Nigeria?

My message to young students in Nigeria is to work hard on something that they are passionate about.

Finally, what are your future plans?

After completing this project, I would like to conduct some experiments with deuterium fusion and join the Neutron Club, on fusor.net. Also I will enter this project in science fairs/competitions whenever I have the chance to do so. I’d like this to generate more awareness to more sustainable energy sources for the future. If a project like this can help start a conversation at the state and even the federal level then, there should be more serious action towards adopting alternative energy sources.