source:Muslim Women and Science « Feminist Philosophers/
Alia Sabur is on record as the world’s youngest professor in the history of academia. In February, just a few days shy of her 19th birthday, Alia was appointed full professor at Konkuk University in South Korea. Colin Maclaurin, a physics student of Sir Isaac Newton, held the previous record some 300 years ago.
…She began reading at the age of eight months, entered college at 10 and graduated with a bachelor of science in applied mathematics from Stony Brook University at 14 - the youngest female in American history to earn a university degree. She then went on to complete a master’s degree and doctorate in materials sciences and engineering at Drexel University, while being on record as the youngest person to have received fellowships from NASA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defence.
She is also a brilliant musician, having attended the renowned Julliard School’s music division … She’s no pushover either, as she’s earned a black belt in tae kwon do.
… Before leaving for Konkuk this month, Alia accepted a temporary position at Southern University at New Orleans, a school that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The university is still operating out of trailers. Alia teaches four courses, lives on campus, and maintains her research at Konkuk online. Her students, most of whom are older than she is, appreciate her passion for teaching.