John Downs made his Wanganui parents proud when he received his PhD at the University of Melbourne in August.
Ted and Maureen Downs travelled to Melbourne for the graduation ceremony, which Mr Downs described as "a glittering affair".
Their son had already studied at the University of Auckland for four years, achieving a BSc in computer science, a BA in psychology, a BSc honours degree in computer science and a MSc in computer science.
His doctorate is in the specialised area of human-computer interaction and he is now lecturing at the University of Melbourne.
Neither of his parents are surprised by his academic success, as they say he showed an early interest in scientific knowledge.
"I had to remind him to get up and go outside when he was small. He would get so engrossed in what he was doing that he would forget to go out and play," said his dad.
Mrs Downs describes John as her "bonus baby," born several years after his older siblings.
"He was always such a nice boy and he was very sociable for a nerd. He really enjoys meeting people," she said.
John Downs, now 31, attended St Marcellin School and was head boy and dux of St Augustine (now Cullinane) College in 2002.
His parents credit his early education with giving him an excellent start.
"All credit to the education they gave him," said Ted Downs. "He has been able to apply himself in Auckland and Melbourne because of the good grounding he was given at those schools."
"He may do further research now and whatever he does, his future looks bright in the world of technology."
The Chronicle was not able to contact Dr Downs in Melbourne and mum Maureen said he had been planning to go away for a while.
"I can't see him coming back to Wanganui any time soon and, although we miss him, we are very happy to see him doing so well on his chosen path," she said.