Dorothy Jean TilDorothy Jean Tillman, Girl Who Earned Her Master’s At 14, Achieves PhD At 17lman, renowned for earning her master’s degree at the age of 14, has now added another milestone to her extraordinary academic journey by completing her PhD at Arizona State University in the United States at the age of 17.
She first gained global attention when she obtained her Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineering from Unity College in Maine, United States, at the remarkable age of 14, becoming one of the youngest ever to achieve such an academic feat.
Her exceptional journey began early in childhood, displaying remarkable intelligence by beginning to talk at just 8 months old and demonstrating proficiency in mathematics by the age of 4.
Dorothy’s mother, Jimalita Tillman, recognized her daughter’s aptitude for math when she was still a toddler.
Enrolling in high school at the age of nine, Dorothy completed her Associate’s Degree at the College of Lake County by the age of 10. By 12, she had earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from Albany’s Excelsior College, New York.
Sharing her latest accomplishment on Instagram, Dorothy announced that she had successfully defended her dissertation, earning a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions at the remarkable age of 17.
Her research focused on the impact of implementing outreach and education programmes aimed at reducing the stigma associated with using campus mental health services among college-aged students.
Dorothy’s goal is to highlight the critical need for mental health support within educational institutions and address the widespread underservice of young people due to associated stigmas.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Dorothy has launched the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, leveraging her expertise in Environmental and Sustainable Science to advocate for school and community-based mental and behavioral health services.
Expressing gratitude to all who supported her on her academic journey, particularly her mother, Dorothy hailed her mother as her number one champion.
Dorothy’s remarkable achievements continue to inspire and underscore the potential of young minds in shaping the future.