James Bryant Conant was an American chemist, educator, and diplomat, born on March 26, 1893, in Dorchester, Boston, Massachusetts, and died on February 11, 1978, in Hanover, New Hampshire. He studied at Harvard College and Harvard University, establishing himself as a leading figure in chemistry and scientific administration. Conant served in the U.S. Army during World War I, contributing to the development of chemical warfare agents, including lewisite. He later became President of Harvard University, where he implemented reforms in education and research, fostering scientific innovation and academic excellence. In addition to his academic achievements, Conant was appointed the first U.S. Ambassador to West Germany, reflecting his role in international diplomacy. He was the son of James Scott Conant and Jennett Orr née Bryant and had two children, Theodore Richards Conant and James Richards Conant. Throughout his career, Conant combined scientific expertise, administrative leadership, and public service, leaving a lasting legacy in higher education, chemistry, and international relations.