A 9 year old genius from Belgium, Laurent Simons will this December graduate from the Eindhoven University of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering, a major achievement even for grown up adults.
Laurent Simons, who University staff have described as ‘simply extraordinary’ plans to do his PH.D in electrical engineering once he finishes University while also studying for a medicine degree, his father has revealed in an interview with CNN.
The boy’s parents, Lydia and Alexander Simons, at first didn’t believe their son was a genius until his school teachers started reporting how he quickly understood and learn things far above his age grade meaning he had to complete school faster than his peers.
Laurent was given test after test as teachers tried to work out the extent of his talents and they were all left bewildered.
“They noticed something very special about Laurent,” said Lydia to CNN.
“They told us he is like a sponge,” said Alexander his father..
“The absorption of information is no problem for Laurent,” his father continued.
“I think the focus will be on research and applying the knowledge to discover new things.”
Laurent comes from a family of doctors, but his mum has her own theory as to why her son is so intelligent.
“I ate a lot of fish during the pregnancy,” she joked.
His school, the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) says they have allowed Laurent to complete his course faster than other students while his parents say a lot of Univeristies have approached them to let their son do his PH.D program in their school.
“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.”
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