Dr. Percy Lavon Julian was born in Montgomery, Alabama on April 1, 1899. Dr. Julian, a professor at Fisk University, received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from DePauw University, his master’s degree from Harvard University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Vienna.

After graduating from the University of Vienna with a Ph.D. in chemistry, Dr. Julian was employed by Glidden as the Director of Fine Chemicals and Food Research. In 1961, Dr. Julian left his position to establish his own laboratory which he sold to SmithKline & French (known today as Glaxo SmithKline) for 2.5 million dollars.

Dr. Julian’s research led to the identification of the chemical called “physostigmine”, a chemical that is used in medicine to treat glaucoma and Alzheimer patients. In addition to discovering the process to filter soybean oil for food products, he also discovered the synthesis of quantity production of hormones for medical applications. Dr. Julian used his soybean synthesis to create a product called AeroFoam to suffocate gasoline and oil fires. The United States Navy used Dr. Julian’s soya protein discovery to fight fires on ships and planes which saved thousands of lives.

Throughout Dr. Julian’s successful career as a chemist, he had more than 100 patents, 60 scholarly publications, and received 19 honorary doctorates until his passing in 1975. He also had consulting agreements with several major pharmaceutical companies. Chemical and Engineering News recognized Dr. Percy Lavon Julian in 1988 as one of the “Top 75 Contributors to the Chemical Enterprise.” In 1993, the United States Postal Service honored Dr. Julian with a commemorative post office stamp as part of the Black Heritage Series.