James Watson, An Influential Figure in American History

The December 2006 issue of The Atlantic has a list of The Top 100 Most Influential Figures in American History, which includes a few scientists:

68 James D. Watson
He codiscovered DNA’s double helix, revealing the code of life to scientists and entrepreneurs alike.

34 Jonas Salk
His vaccine for polio eradicated one of the world’s worst plagues.

The list was created by ten “prominent historians” but they’re also asking readers to suggest additions to the list. Which scientists/geneticists would top your list? I’ve already named the rockstar geneticists of our time.

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