Percy Lavon Julian

The grandson of enslaved people from Alabama,

Dr. Percy Julian overcame countless obstacles imposed by segregated America to become one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. Lacking the benefit of a traditional high school education, Julian pushed himself to success at DePauw University while concurrently taking high school courses. Majoring in chemistry, he would graduate as valedictorian in 1920. After teaching for two years, Julian would go on to complete a master’s degree in organic chemistry at Harvard University.

Julian’s greatest contributions to chemistry, and humanity, would see him work to synthesize chemicals which treated glaucoma, discover methods to bulk-produce steroids, and inexpensively produce treatments for arthritis. While his accomplishments were critical in improving the care of countless patients of debilitating and painful disease, he is far from a household name. To learn more about Julian’s incredible life story, head to the link below to watch NOVA’s documentary biography “Forgotten Genius.”