Belgian Laurent
Simons, who is 9 years old and has an IQ of around 145, is studying
electrical engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) - a
tough program even for average-aged students, making Simons’ feat all the more
impressive.
Described
by staff as "simply extraordinary," Laurent will finish
his bachelor's degree in less than 2 months. He then plans to embark on a PhD
program in electrical engineering while also studying for a medicine degree.
Laurent
finished high school by age eight, completing it in its entirety in only 18
months.
It was the
child’s grandparents and teachers who first took note of his intellectual
ability. He began school at the typical age of four, but progressed through
five years of study in just 12 months.
His
parents, Lydia and Alexander Simons, said they thought Laurent's grandparents
were exaggerating when they said he had a gift, but his teachers soon
concurred.
"They noticed
something very special about Laurent," said Lydia.
Despite his
parents not being the first to notice his genius, Lydia still takes some credit
for it. “I ate a lot of fish during the
pregnancy,” she joked.
Laurent was
given test after test as teachers tried to work out the extent of his talents.
"They told us he is like a sponge," said Alexander.
While
Laurent comes from a family of doctors, his parents have so far not received
any explanation as to why their child prodigy is capable of learning so
quickly. But Lydia
has her own theory. "I ate a lot of fish during the pregnancy," she
joked.
The TUE has
allowed Laurent to complete his course faster than other students. "That
is not unusual," said Sjoerd Hulshof, education director of the TUE
bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, in a statement. "Special
students that have good reasons for doing so can arrange an adjusted schedule.
In much the same way we help students who participate in top sport."
Hulshof
said Laurent is "simply extraordinary" and praised the youngster. "Laurent
is the fastest student we have ever had here," he said. "Not only is
he hyper intelligent but also a very sympathetic boy."
Laurent ‘s progress has not gone unnoticed and he is already being sought out by
prestigious universities around the world, although Laurent's family didn’t
disclose which of them he is considering for his PhD.
"The
absorption of information is no problem for Laurent," said his father. "I
think the focus will be on research and applying the knowledge to discover new
things. Laurent’s aim is to do a PhD into life extension by carrying out
research into artificial organs and robotics "
While Laurent
is evidently able to learn faster than most, his parents are being careful to
let him enjoy himself too. "We
don't want him to get too serious. He does whatever he likes," said
Alexander. "We need to find a balance between being a child and his
talents."
Laurent
said he enjoys having fun with his dog Sammy and playing on his phone, like many
young people. However, unlike most 9-year-olds, he has already worked out what
he wants to do with his life: develop artificial organs.
In the
meantime, Laurent has to finish his bachelor's degree and choose which academic
institution will play host to the next stage in his remarkable journey. Before
that, he plans on taking a vacation to Japan for an undoubtedly well-deserved
break.
Article From CNN (edited)
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