1918-1988. American theoretical physicist.
Developed quantum electrodynamics (QED), the most precisely tested theory in physics.
Invented the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, summing over all possible histories.
Created Feynman diagrams, a visual calculus for particle interactions that transformed theoretical physics.
Proposed the concept of quantum computing, seeding the field of quantum computation.
Renowned physics educator; "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" remains a standard reference.
Investigated the Challenger disaster, demonstrating the power of first-principles reasoning and empirical honesty.