9-Year-Old Makes History At Pennsylvania College, Plans To Become A Pediatric Neurosurgeon

September 13, 2025

Most children at age 9 are focused on playtime and lighthearted fun. But for Aiden Wilkins of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, life looks a little different. He spends part of his week in a college neuroscience classroom, studying alongside students twice his age.

Aiden Wilkins / Credit: NBC News

“I could just read [signs] when most kids at my age, at like two, could barely even speak,” Aiden recalled. His mother, Veronica, quickly realized he wasn’t like most children. “He was reading signs and corrected people’s sentences...writing algebraic equations,” she said.

A gifted test later confirmed what his family already suspected: Aiden was exceptionally bright. By age 3, he was hooked on anatomy videos, fascinated most of all by the human brain. That early passion has now grown into a clear vision—Aiden wants to become a pediatric neurosurgeon.

“Mainly because I always like helping people around my age, and I was always fascinated by the anatomy of the brain,” he explained. “It’s sad to see kids around my age with neuro-disabilities, so I want to help them out.”

Today, Aiden splits his time between high school courses at Reach Cyber Charter School—where he’s already a sophomore—and neuroscience classes at Ursinus College, making him the youngest student in the school’s history. Three times a week, he’s on campus with college freshmen. The rest of the week, he’s studying online like any other high schooler.

Despite his academic achievements, Aiden is still very much a kid at heart. He loves playing soccer and video games when he’s not hitting the books.

“You don’t really hear often about gifted kids. It’s a small percentage, but I am very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be part of his journey,” Veronica said. “It’s all about him and his journey and me just supporting his journey.”

Veronica beams with pride watching her son chase his dreams. “It’s exciting because he’s making history and you know he feels great. I think it’s so important to be seen and heard,” she shared.

And Aiden’s advice to others? “You can do anything,” he said. “You really just have to put the work into it.”

With Johns Hopkins and Princeton already on his radar for medical school, there’s no doubt Aiden’s remarkable journey is only just beginning.

Meet Aiden in the video below: