48 Percy Lavon Julian
Percy Lavon Julian |
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1899- 1975 Subject: Chemistry
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Biography:Percy Lavon Julian was born on April 11, 1899, in Montgomery, Alabama. He first attended DePauw University in Indiana, where he graduated in 1920 as valedictorian, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Even with impressive academic achievements, Julian faced discrimination as he tried to continue his education. Many graduate schools were unwilling to admit him, likely because of racial prejudice. Following advice from a mentor, he took a position as a chemistry teacher at Fisk University, a Black college in Nashville, Tennessee. After two years at Fisk, Julian was awarded the Austin Fellowship in Chemistry, allowing him to enroll at Harvard University for his master’s degree, which he completed in 1923. Despite his academic success, Julian encountered further roadblocks, as he was denied opportunities like teaching assistantships due to his race. He took a teaching job at West Virginia State College but was ultimately not satisfied with his role there. He soon moved to Howard University, where he became an associate professor of chemistry. Julian then earned a fellowship to study at the University of Vienna in Austria, where he completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1931. During his time in Vienna, he worked with Ernst Späth, a renowned chemist, and began his own explorations on the potential of soybeans, which would later become central to his work. After earning his Ph.D., Julian returned to the U.S. and briefly led the chemistry department at Howard University. He later joined DePauw University, where he collaborated with Dr. Josef Pikl to synthesize physostigmine, a drug used to treat glaucoma. In 1936, Julian made the leap to industry, joining the Glidden Company as the Director of the Soya Products Division. He became the first Black scientist in that role. At Glidden, Julian developed aerofoam, a flame retardant used by the U.S. Navy during World War II, and created cost-effective methods to produce hormones like progesterone and testosterone from soybeans. These breakthroughs reduced the cost of important medications and made treatments more widely accessible for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. His works earned him the title of “Chicagoan of the Year” in 1950. In 1954, Julian left Glidden to start Julian Laboratories, where he focused on improving cortisone production. He later opened a facility in Mexico to cultivate wild yams, which turned out to be a more efficient source for hormone synthesis than soybeans. Throughout his career, Julian authored (and co-authored) over 160 scientific publications, earned 15 honorary degrees, and made a lasting impact on the scientific community. Percy Lavon Julian passed away on April 19, 1975, in Waukegan, Illinois, from liver cancer.
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Summary of their contributions:Percy Lavon Julian made several groundbreaking contributions to chemistry and medicine. His synthesis of physostigmine helped advancement in the treatment of glaucoma by providing an effective drug through synthetic means. Furthermore, he also pioneered cost-effective methods for producing synthetic hormones from soybeans, including progesterone and testosterone, which were used to treat miscarriages, cancer, and other medical conditions. Julian’s work on synthetic cortisone dramatically reduced the cost of this vital medication, increasing public’s accessibility for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As the first Black scientist hired for his role in the Glidden Company, Julian developed aerofoam, a flame retardant that was used by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Later in his career, he established Julian Laboratories and focused on refining the synthesis of cortisone and other steroids. He eventually discovered Mexican wild yams as a more effective source than soybeans. His work not only contributed to discoveries in chemistry but also significantly
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Integration with the BC Secondary Science Curriculum:In Grade 10 Science, his work on synthesizing compounds such as physostigmine and cortisone connects to the study of chemical reactions and their applications, and can serve as a bridge to see the connections of academics with real-life applications. For example, his methods for creating cost-effective synthetic hormones illustrate the impact of chemistry in addressing human health challenges, which will support students’ understanding of how science can solve real-world problems. In Life Sciences 11, Julian’s advancements in biotechnology, including hormone synthesis from soybeans and yams, relate to the content area of human impact on biological systems. His work highlights how scientific innovation can improve accessibility and quality of life. In Chemistry 11, his expertise in organic chemistry and contributions to the synthesis of complex molecules can provide examples of reaction mechanisms and functional group chemistry, connecting these concepts with real-life therapeutic drug development. For Grade 12 Science for Citizens, Julian’s life journey provides a case study for exploring the contributions of underrepresented groups in science. His perseverance in overcoming systemic barriers to make groundbreaking discoveries emphasizes the importance of diversity and equity in scientific progress. This connects to curricular competencies around evaluating the role of science in societal decision-making and understanding how diverse perspectives drive innovation.
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References:Biography. DePauw University. (n.d.). https://www.depauw.edu/julian/biography/
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Percy Julian. Encyclopædia Britannica.
Percy Lavon Julian. American Chemical Society. (n.d.).
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