Fermi, Enrico (1901-1954):

Enrico Fermi was one of the most important nuclear physicists involved with the development of the atomic bomb. Working at the University of Rome, he developed theories about beta decay, and did research into creating artificial radioactivity. For this research he received a Nobel Prize in 1938. Due to political harassment by the Fascist party in Italy, Fermi immigrated to the United States and worked at the University of Chicago where he created the first chain reaction in 1942. From that point on, he worked in New Mexico on the Manhattan project, which led to the eventual development of atomic weaponry. He resigned from his government job for ethical reasons and returned to the University of Chicago. However, his career was cut short due to cancer, probably caused by overexposure to radioactive material.

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