Thomas A. Steitz was an American biochemist known for his significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009 for his work on the structure and function of the ribosome, which is essential for protein synthesis in all living cells. His research helped to deepen the understanding of how antibiotics can target bacterial ribosomes. Steitz was born on August 23, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He spent much of his career at Yale University, where he served as a professor and conducted groundbreaking research. His work has had a lasting impact on both basic science and the development of new therapeutic strategies.