Rosalind Franklin - Chemist whose X-ray diffraction studies contributed to the understanding of DNA structure

Rosalind Franklin was a brilliant chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose work was instrumental in discovering DNA's double-helix structure. Using X-ray diffraction, she captured the famous "Photograph 51," which provided key evidence of DNA's helical shape. However, her data was shared without her knowledge, allowing James Watson and Francis Crick to finalize their DNA model and receive most of the credit. Despite not being fully recognized in her time, Franklin made significant contributions to virus research and molecular biology before her untimely death in 1958. Though she was not awarded the Nobel Prize, her legacy has grown over time, with numerous honors celebrating her role in advancing genetics and structural biology.