Enrico Fermi (Italian: [enˈriko ˈfermi]; 29 September 1901 – 28 November 1954) was an Italian physicist, who is credited with the creation of the first nuclear reactor, the Chicago Pile-1. He made significant contributions to the development of quantum theory, nuclear and particle physics, and statistical mechanics. He is one of the men referred to as the "architect and father of the atomic bomb".