"I can't think of anything more exciting than creating things," said Bartholomew Nnaji, who is regarded as one of the world's leading robotics and design engineers. Nnaji first experienced the excitement of creation as a child in Nigeria, where he built carts out of metal cans and wood. Today, the robots Nnaji assembles and programs perform tasks such as installing microchips on computer circuit boards with unerring precision. (If you think that's simple, try placing 60 separate postage-stamp sized squares of silicon in a perfect row in 60 seconds.) Another robot he is programming may someday help burn victims heal by using a laser to vaporize damaged flesh. "Robotics combines the best of so many worlds," Nnaji said. "That's why I've decided to pitch my tent at the confluence between mathematics, computer science, engineering and physics. That's where I want to be."

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