J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967) was an American physicist and one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. Born in New York City, Oppenheimer grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment and developed an early interest in science. He went on to study at Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry before obtaining his PhD in physics from the University of Göttingen in Germany.

Oppenheimer's contributions to science were numerous and groundbreaking. He made significant advances in quantum mechanics and theoretical physics, and was a key figure in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. He led the Manhattan Project, the top-secret U.S. government program that produced the first nuclear weapons, and played a central role in the testing and deployment of these weapons.

Despite his scientific achievements, Oppenheimer's career was not without controversy. He was accused of being a security risk during the Cold War era, and his security clearance was revoked by the U.S. government in 1954. However, his contributions to science and his leadership during the Manhattan Project have secured his place in history as one of the most important figures of the 20th century.