The American chemist Dudley Herschbach received the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for contributions including his "crossed molecular beam" experiments that have yielded a molecular-level understanding of elementary chemical reactions, such as those used in the synthesis of drugs, plastics and industrial chemicals. Professor Herschbach addressed the Academy of Achievement at its 1987 Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this podcast, he relates how, as a small child, he was first inspired to pursue a career in science and became the first member of his family to pursue higher education. He also discusses the molecular basis of chemical reactions and the significance of his own research. Today, he is a Professor of Physics at Texas A&M University , and continues his long relationship with Harvard University where he is Professor Emeritus. To date, he has published over 400 research papers. He continues to pursue research at the frontiers of molecular chemistry.