The notable scientist known for his work with genetics and heredity is Gregor Mendel. Often referred to as the father of genetics, Mendel's experiments with pea plants in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for the laws of inheritance. He discovered how traits are passed down through generations, formulating the concepts of dominant and recessive alleles. Mendel's work became crucial in the development of modern genetics and has had a lasting impact on the fields of biology and medicine.