Leonard Adleman is an American computer scientist best known for his work in cryptography and computer science. He was born on December 15, 1945, and is one of the co-inventors of the RSA algorithm, which is widely used for secure data transmission. This algorithm relies on the mathematical properties of prime numbers to encrypt and decrypt information. In addition to his contributions to cryptography, Adleman has also explored the field of DNA computing, where biological molecules are used to perform computational tasks. His innovative ideas have significantly influenced both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science, making him a prominent figure in the field.