Severo Ochoa

Severo Ochoa
Author: Unknown (Associated Press), Source: File:Severo Ochoa 1959.jpg, Public Domain

Born Sep. 24, 1905 in Spain

Died 1993

A world-renowned scientist, he was the first Hispanic American to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1959 for his work in biochemistry and molecular biology.

His study of enzymes were vital to figuring out the human genetic code.

Practiced medicine for over 30 years at the New York University (NYU) College of Medicine.

Received many awards including the US National Medal of Science in 1978.