Arthur H. Compton was an American physicist best known for his discovery of the Compton effect, which demonstrated the particle-like properties of light. This groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927 and significantly advanced the field of quantum mechanics. In addition to his research, Compton played a vital role during World War II as a scientific leader in the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bombs. He also served as the president of the American Physical Society and contributed to various scientific organizations throughout his career, promoting the importance of science in society.