Ahmed Zewail
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 26th, 1946
79 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2016
8 years ago — 70 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Egypt
Links & References
An Egyptian-American chemist, contributed significantly to the field of femtochemistry, which studies chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. Zewail's work allowed scientists to observe the motion of atoms in a molecule during a chemical reaction. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for these pioneering studies. Zewail held a professorship at the California Institute of Technology and actively engaged in initiatives to promote education and science in developing countries.
Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999
Pioneered the field of femtochemistry
Other People Born on February 26th
Noboru Takeshita
Served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 1987 to 1989. Took concrete steps toward economic reform and improved Japan's international relations. Held positions within the Liberal Democratic Party, ultimately becoming the party's leader. Also served as a member of the House of Representatives for several decades, influencing Japanese politics throughout the post-war era.
Continue ReadingColin Bell
Played as a midfielder, contributing significantly to Manchester City during the 1960s and 1970s. Gained a reputation for exceptional stamina and skill on the ball. Helped the team secure multiple trophies, including the 1969 FA Cup and the 1970 European Cup Winners' Cup. Also represented the England national team, earning over 48 caps and playing in the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingRolando Blackman
Played basketball professionally as a shooting guard, achieving significant success in the NBA. Spent the bulk of a career with the Dallas Mavericks, contributing to the team's competitive stature during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Represented Panama in international competitions, showcasing talent on a global stage. Later served as a coach and ambassador for basketball, promoting the sport at various levels.
Continue ReadingDante Ferretti
An Italian art director and costume designer, worked on numerous films during a prolific career. Collaborated with notable directors such as Martin Scorsese and Federico Fellini. Received multiple Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Production Design. Contributions included iconic visual styles and settings that defined cinematic landscapes.
Continue ReadingMichael Bolton
A successful singer-songwriter and actor with roots in the pop and R&B genres. Achieved fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with powerful ballads and a distinctive voice. Released numerous albums, many of which reached multi-platinum status. Recognized for a string of hits that included 'Time, Love and Tenderness' and 'How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.' Has received multiple Grammy Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Also contributed to various film soundtracks and has appeared in television shows as a guest.
Continue ReadingTim Kaine
Served as the 70th Governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010. Elected to the United States Senate in 2012 and has served multiple terms. Played a significant role in various congressional committees and was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2016. Involved in efforts related to education, healthcare, and military affairs, emphasizing bipartisanship and state-related issues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 2nd
Piet Fransen
A professional footballer played as a midfielder. Represented clubs including Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, contributing to multiple league titles. Achieved recognition at the international level with the national team, earning several caps during the 1950s. Retired from professional play and later engaged in youth coaching and football administration.
Continue ReadingWallace Stevens
Born in 1879, a prominent American poet whose work bridged the gap between modernism and traditional forms. Employed as an insurance executive while creating a significant body of poetry, focusing on themes of imagination and reality. The collection 'Harmonium,' published in 1923, established a lasting reputation. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1955 for 'The Collected Poems of Wallace Stevens.' His poetry often employs vivid imagery and philosophical undertones, contributing to discussions on aesthetics and the role of imagination in life.
Continue ReadingYolande of Dreux
Served as Queen consort of Scotland and Duchess consort of Brittany. Marriage to Alexander II of Scotland established a significant political alliance. After the death of Alexander II, served as regent for her son Alexander III. Promoted French and Breton interests in Scotland during her tenure. The influence in both Scottish and Breton affairs reflected the interconnectedness of royal families across regions during the medieval period.
Continue ReadingWilliam S. Burroughs
An American novelist and essayist, contributed significantly to the Beat Generation of the 1950s. His most acclaimed work, 'Naked Lunch', published in 1959, features a non-linear narrative and explores themes of addiction, control, and societal critique. This controversial novel faced legal challenges and censorship but has since gained recognition as a seminal work of postmodern literature. Burroughs also experimented with cut-up writing techniques, influencing various artistic domains. He published several other notable works including 'Junky' and 'The Ticket That Exploded', and engaged in diverse artistic collaborations and countercultural movements throughout his life.
Continue ReadingJack Spring
The individual played professional baseball primarily as a pitcher. Major League Baseball career spanned several seasons during the 1950s and 1960s. Played for teams including the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Contributed to the sport through various performances and played an essential role within the teams during his career.
Continue ReadingWillie Morris
Born in Mississippi, one of the notable literary figures of the 20th century. Played a significant role in Southern literature. Served as the editor of 'Yazoo' magazine, which highlighted Southern writing and culture. Authored several books, including 'North Toward Home', a memoir reflecting on growing up in the South. His works often explored themes of identity, loss, and connection to place. Contributed to the growth of Southern literature through his writings and editorial efforts.
Continue Reading