Biography of Famous Scientist Percy Lavon Julian
Percy Lavon Julian: Pioneering Chemist and Activist
Early Life and Education:
Percy Lavon Julian was born on April 11, 1899, in Montgomery, Alabama, USA, into a large African American family. Despite the racial segregation of the time, Julian’s parents, James and Elizabeth Julian, encouraged his academic pursuits. Julian attended DePauw University in Indiana, where he faced racial discrimination but excelled academically. He graduated in 1920 as valedictorian.
Despite his academic success, racial barriers prevented Julian from attending graduate school in the United States. Undeterred, he earned his master’s degree from Harvard University in 1923, studying under the renowned organic chemist E. P. Kohler.
Career and Doctorate in Austria:
Discouraged by the lack of opportunities for African Americans in the U.S., Julian pursued further studies in Europe. He earned his Ph.D. in 1931 from the University of Vienna, becoming one of the few African Americans to hold a doctoral degree in chemistry at the time.
Return to the U.S. and Industry Career:
Upon returning to the United States, Julian faced difficulties securing academic positions due to racial prejudice. He began his career in industry, working for Glidden Company. Despite facing discrimination, Julian’s exceptional skills and determination led him to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming the Director of Soya Products Division.
Synthesis of Steroids:
Julian’s groundbreaking work at Glidden involved the synthesis of sterols from soybean oil, leading to the production of progesterone and testosterone. These achievements were crucial in the development of affordable and mass-produced hormones for medical applications.
Independence and Entrepreneurship:
In 1953, Julian left Glidden to establish his own company, Julian Laboratories. Here, he continued his work on steroid synthesis, contributing to the production of cortisone and hydrocortisone. His entrepreneurial success challenged racial barriers, and Julian became the first African American to own and operate a major research facility.
Awards and Honors:
Julian’s achievements earned him recognition, including the Percy L. Julian Award for Pure and Applied Research from the American Chemical Society. He was the second African American to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.
Activism and Legacy:
Throughout his life, Percy Julian was an advocate for civil rights. He faced racism in both his personal and professional life but remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. Julian’s legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions; he became a symbol of resilience and achievement in the face of racial adversity.
Percy Lavon Julian passed away on April 19, 1975, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of chemistry, medicine, and civil rights. His work in synthesizing valuable compounds from plant sources revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry, and his determination to overcome racial barriers paved the way for future generations of African American scientists. Today, Percy Lavon Julian is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to equality and justice.