Mike Wimmer addressing his graduation class at Carolina University, May 3, 2025. Courtesy, Melissa Wimmer via The Epoch Times
In a world with countless burgeoning, bright minds, Mike Wimmer stands head and shoulders above his peers. Last month, Wimmer, age 16, became the youngest Ph.D. in the United States after a career in tech and AI starting when he was just 10 years old. Beginning computer coding at age 5, Wimmer soon found he had a penchant for AI and automobiles and got a call from the Pentagon requesting his expertise after designing an AI engine that could differentiate between his different Hot Wheels car models. When Wimmer’s parents picked up the important phone call at their Salisbury, North Carolina home, their first response was “You do know he’s 10, right?” Two weeks later, he was at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa providing his expertise in a joint operation with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), a partnership that continues to this day, although under many layers of confidentiality.
Even juggling these top-secret contracts, Wimmer still has time to study and design. When the teenager graduated from Carolina University in May, he gave a speech to his classmates to motivate them towards making change – and history in the process. “Consider history’s game-changers,” Wimmer said. “The Wright brothers, mocked for defying physics; Steve Jobs, laughed at for envisioning a computer in every home; Elon Musk, ridiculed for aiming at Mars.” Ever tactful, he made sure to temper his statements, “However, innovation is not about silencing critics; it is about showing them what is possible.”
Mike Wimmer poses with his ReefSweeper invention. Courtesy, Melissa Wimmer via The Epoch Times
Moments later, he revealed his newest project, the ReefSweeper, a remote-controlled underwater vehicle, designed to hunt lionfish, which are invasive to the Atlantic and currently wreaking havoc on coral reef habitats. The AI-run vehicle can venture to depths not possible for divers and spear the fish remotely. Not only does this solve a growing ecological problem, but Wimmer sees further potential in selling products from the fish, including meat and leather components. “This is not just a breakthrough, it’s a commercially viable platform to safeguard coral reefs and coastal communities, launching a new era in underwater technology,” he told The Epoch Times.
When asked why – what motivates him, the youngest Ph.D. in America couldn’t contain his passion for progress. He cited a thirst for knowledge and innovation – wanting to solve problems with new technologies in new ways and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world. The sky seems to be the limit for this young man who just got his driver’s license, who still finds time for car video game racing that spurred some of his initial successes. With forces like Mike Wimmer at the helm, the future is in good hands.
See you on the trail,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 6-16-25
