Meet NASA's Youngest Trailblazer

With two degrees, the ability to pilot planes, several books to his name, and a position at NASA, Moshe Kai Cavalin from San Gabriel, California, isn’t your average 17-year-old.

At only 11, Cavalin completed his studies at a community college, and four years later, he had a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of California. He continued to enhance his knowledge through online courses, leading to expertise in various fields and two authored books.

Recently, he began working as an assistant developing surveillance technologies for aircraft and drones at NASA. However, his schedule is far from dull. This year, he plans to obtain a pilot’s license, yet he insists he’s more ordinary than others perceive. "My situation isn’t unique at all," he mentioned in a local interview. "It’s just a mix of good parenting, motivation, and inspiration. Unlike many others, I don’t compare myself to anyone else. I just try to do my best."

Moshe Kai Cavalin. 17 years old and already at NASA

Despite his modesty, his parents highlight his exceptional learning abilities, noting these were evident by four months old when he pointed at a plane in the sky and uttered his first word in Chinese, his mother’s native language. By seven, he excelled in trigonometry, prompting his mother to drive him to a gifted math group at a community college. "Most people think he’s a genius who naturally picks up things. The truth is, he worked harder than any student I’ve ever had," said Daniel Shoup, his math professor for two years.

With such credentials, it’s no wonder NASA pursued him twice before he accepted their job offer. "He was quite surprised when I suggested he work with me at NASA," said Ricardo Arteaga, his boss and mentor at NASA. "Due to his young age, he thought there was an error, that someone had surely got things mixed up. But I quickly saw his potential. I employed him knowing I needed an intern like him with extensive knowledge in mathematical algorithms. He truly is sharp in mathematics," he stated.