Aiden Wilkins, real life Sheldon Cooper, is already a neuroscience student at 9 years

At just 9 years old, Aiden Wilkins from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is making exceptional academic accomplishments as the youngest student ever to enroll at Ursinus College. Balancing high school courses as a sophomore at Reach Cyber Charter School and college-level neuroscience classes at Ursinus, Aiden stands out as a remarkable prodigy with a clear vision to become a pediatric neurosurgeon.

Aiden’s extraordinary intellectual journey began almost as soon as he could speak. By age 2, he was already reading outdoor signs fluently, something most toddlers struggle with. He explained, “I could just read them when most kids at my age, at like two, could barely even speak. Yeah, I just grasped it so fast,” speaking to abc7. A gifted test taken a few years later confirmed what his family suspected: Aiden was uniquely gifted.

Now, three days a week, he attends neuroscience lectures at Ursinus College, a step that complements his high school curriculum and sets him firmly on his path toward a career in pediatric neurosurgery. The reason he wants to be a pediatric neurosurgeon is “mainly because I like helping kids around my age and I was always fascinated by the anatomy of the brain,” Aiden said.


Veronica Wilkins, Aiden’s mother, says she is incredibly proud but emphasizes that the journey is driven by Aiden’s passion and curiosity. “I am very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be part of his journey. It's all about him and his journey and me just supporting his journey” she said.

College officials at Ursinus have welcomed Aiden warmly. Kelly Sorensen, associate provost for academic affairs, recalled his visit to campus where he arrived “in a snazzy suit and tie, curious and eager to talk about glial cells, neuroplasticity, and even Shakespeare.” She stated, “We’re delighted to be a part of Aiden’s journey, which is as exceptional as he is. The challenge is to keep his hungry mind well-fed,” reported Bet.

Despite his advanced academic pursuits, Aiden is still very much a typical 9-year-old who enjoys video games and playing soccer. When asked for advice for others striving to succeed, he said with confidence, “You can do anything. You just have to put in the work”.

Looking ahead, Aiden is deciding between prestigious universities such as Johns Hopkins and Princeton to pursue his undergraduate studies before attending medical school.