Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American engineer best known for his invention of the first alternating current (AC) motor. His contributions would lead to the design of the modern AC electricity supply system. Born in the Austrian Empire in July of 1856, Tesla studied physics and math at University and continued on to experiment with multiple inventions. Although respected and a recipient of various medals and awards throughout his career, Tesla was unable to find the same long-lasting commercial and financial success as that of Thomas Edison. Fortunately, popular interest in Nikola Tesla and his work has emerged in recent years.