Child Prodigy: 7-Year-Old on Path to Nuclear Science Breakthroughs

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)—Emmett Henry is a young lad harboring ambitious aspirations of one day becoming a nuclear scientist. He hones his skills at the R.E. Ginna Clean Energy Center.

I've been fascinated by it since I was two and I simply find it incredibly awesome.

Henry is seven years old and has been visiting the nuclear power plant in Ontario, New York—a location roughly 20 miles northeast of Rochester—for five years now. "We live close by, and one day as we drove past it, Henry glanced at it and said he would work there someday," explains Ashley Fedigan, who is Emmett’s mother.

Emmett is making great progress. He has visited the facility multiple times and on Tuesday, May 6, he was dressed appropriately and prepared for the yearly siren test. Donning his lab coat, headphones, and specific identification provided by Constellation Energy Corporation, Emmett observed and heard all 96 sirens go off simultaneously. While finding it impressive, he also admits it can be somewhat frightening to listen to the tests. However, he understands their purpose: they help guarantee everyone remains secure during a real crisis situation.

The 7-year-old claims he aspires to be a problem solver and eventually dreams of becoming both a nuclear engineer and the President of the United States. Emmett proudly displays his miniature nuclear reactor control panel and shares that his room is adorned with replica sirens and various models from the facility. "He constantly seeks out more information and sights related to Ginna," remarks Fedigan.

He observed the nuclear facility from a helicopter and gained insights into its construction, as well as learning about the architect behind it and the flora and fauna present within the 426 acres bordering Lake Ontario’s southern shoreline. While on his tour, Emmett also underwent safety instruction using a mock fire extinguisher.

Aside from his aspirations to become a nuclear scientist and president, Emmett also mentions that someday he will manage the Ginna Energy Center.

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