William Thurston

William Thurston was a prominent mathematician known for his groundbreaking work in topology, the study of shapes and spaces. He introduced innovative ideas about three-dimensional spaces, famously proposing that every 3D shape can be understood through a systematic decomposition into simpler parts. His work revolutionized the understanding of geometric structures in three dimensions and helped classify 3-manifolds, which are the building blocks of more complex shapes. Thurston's insights bridged various areas of mathematics and inspired new research, earning him the prestigious Fields Medal in 1982 for his contributions to the field.