Maya Lin is an American artist and architect, best known for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Born on October 5, 1959, in Athens, Ohio, she gained national recognition for her innovative approach to memorial design, which emphasizes reflection and healing. Lin's work often incorporates natural elements and focuses on the relationship between art and the environment. In addition to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lin has created various other significant works, including the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Wave Field at the University of Michigan. Her contributions to art and architecture have earned her numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts.