This case traces the rise of James Conant from a working-class neighborhood in Boston to president of Harvard University. The case describes how Conant, as a young man interested in chemistry and physics, embarks on studies to build his academic credentials and the pathbreaking changes that he makes to admissions criteria and curriculums while president of Harvard. The case also describes his pivotal role in developing the atomic bomb that ended World War II. Students will learn how James Conant navigated life's choices to leave a lasting impact on the world.