Wallace Carothers was an American chemist best known for his invention of nylon, the first synthetic fiber. Born on April 24, 1896, in Burlington, Iowa, he studied at the University of Illinois and later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Carothers worked for DuPont, where he conducted research that led to the development of various polymers, significantly impacting the textile industry. In addition to nylon, Carothers contributed to the understanding of rubber and other synthetic materials. His work laid the foundation for modern polymer science, influencing numerous applications in everyday products. Tragically, Carothers struggled with personal issues and died by suicide on April 29, 1937.