Gen Z author and speaker Yamuna Hasan has won the Best Proposition Speaker award at an Oxford debate after making a strong case for protecting human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence. Hasan received the distinction after challenging the growing tendency to outsource original thinking and creative work to generative AI. The Lord Mayor of Oxford personally presented her with the Best Proposition Speaker award following her speech. The debate took place at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at Oxford Town Hall and focused on one of the biggest questions facing young people today: how far should humans depend on artificial intelligence? Hasan warns against overdependence on AI During her proposition speech, Hasan argued that creativity works like “a muscle strengthened by exercise and intellectual effort.” She warned that excessive reliance on automated tools could eventually weaken people’s ability to think, create and solve problems independently. Hasan described creativity as the “heartbeat of civilization,” arguing that human imagination has played a central role in progress across science, culture, art and innovation. Her argument did not call for people to reject artificial intelligence. Instead, she stressed the importance of using new technology without allowing it to replace curiosity and original thought. The debate comes as generative AI tools increasingly help people write, design, illustrate, compose music and develop ideas within seconds. Recent research has also highlighted the complex relationship between AI and creativity. Studies suggest AI can help individuals generate stronger ideas in some situations. However, heavy dependence may also reduce the diversity of ideas produced by groups. Oxford victory adds another major achievement The Best Proposition Speaker title adds another honour to Hasan’s growing list of achievements. She previously received the United Nations Changemaker Award 2026 and the Best Gen Z Podcast Award at Fashion Factor Dubai in 2026. Her other honours include Best Gen Z of the Year from Entrepreneur Middle East in 2025 and Best Gen Z Author of the Year at the India International Influencer Awards in 2025. Hasan also received the Best International Author Award at the Gulf Achievers Awards in 2025. Her work and achievements have attracted attention from several international media publications as her profile grows among young audiences. Message to Gen Z puts creativity first Hasan has increasingly encouraged members of Gen Z to develop knowledge, explore passion projects and become highly skilled in their chosen fields. Her Oxford speech carried a similar message. She urged young people to embrace modern technology while continuing to develop their own ability to think and create. Artificial intelligence can offer speed and convenience, but Hasan’s argument placed human imagination at the centre of innovation. Her Oxford recognition has now given that message a wider platform as debates over AI, education and human creativity continue worldwide.
From College Student at 10 to Record-Breaking Professor at 18
An American engineering prodigy has become the world’s youngest male professor, breaking a record that stood for more than three centuries. Nathan Thomas earned the Guinness World Records title after joining Miami Dade College at 18 years and 346 days. Guinness verified the achievement in Miami, Florida, on August 21, 2023. His appointment ended a 306-year record set by Scottish mathematician Colin Maclaurin, who became a professor at 19 in 1717. Thomas was also 16 days younger than Alia Sabur when she became the youngest female professor in 2008. The remarkable journey has drawn comparisons with Sheldon Cooper, the fictional child genius from The Big Bang Theory. Thomas’ story, however, unfolded in real classrooms and laboratories. College at 10, Engineering Graduate at 18 Thomas began higher education long before most children enter secondary school. At 10, he enrolled in two courses at Miami Dade College through a dual-enrolment programme. He later transferred to Florida International University at 14. By 16, he had completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. FIU named him its Outstanding Undergraduate in Electrical Engineering for spring 2021. Thomas continued studying and earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering at 18. Guinness said he completed both degrees with honours. Read More: Phillips Sets All Time Watch Auction Record in Just Six Months In August 2023, he returned to Miami Dade College as a professor. He taught COP 2270: C for Engineers, which covers computing and programming for engineering students. Many students were close to his age, but Thomas said this never affected the classroom. “You are all there to learn,” he said, adding, “That is it. Age does not come into play.” Teaching and Law Become His Next Challenges Thomas said his favourite part of teaching is seeing students grasp ideas they initially found difficult. He enjoys watching the moment when a complicated concept finally makes sense. He also believes teaching improves his own command of a subject. Explaining material forces him to examine each idea at a deeper level. As a result, he feels that he learns as much from teaching as his students do. Both of Thomas’ parents are engineers, and he grew up around their approach to problem-solving. Mathematics attracted him because it was the subject that naturally “clicked.” Thomas has not slowed down since setting the record. Now 21, he continues teaching online while pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Miami School of Law. Read More: Debutant Azan Awais Enters Record Books With Brilliant 103 He expects to graduate in 2028 and plans to work in intellectual property law, focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Thomas said engineering taught him to break complex problems into structured parts. He now applies that same approach to his legal studies. Despite his unusual academic timeline, Thomas has urged others not to compare their progress with someone else’s. His record may give Sheldon Cooper vibes, but his message remains practical: consistent effort matters more than age.
