Percy lavon julian essay example

Percy L. Julian, a groundbreaking African American chemist, inventor, and leader has the achievements and honors to make it to the top of any list of great African Americans, American scientists, or medical innovators. Yet, somehow, despite the fact that Julian's work surrounds us everyday, he remains largely unknown.

One of his first innovations offered the hope of sight to people with glaucoma. Julian found a method to isolate and synthetically make a naturally-occurring chemical compound known to treat the sight-robbing eye condition, thereby making the drug more available to those who otherwise would lose their sight.

After many twists and turns, gains and losses, Percy earned his PhD while studying in Vienna, on a fellowship. In Vienna, Julian had the freedom to do his own research, something that would be hard to obtain for much of his career.

Julian's accomplishments grew; he was earning national acclaim, and yet he was still barred from many conventions for scientists of ability and stature.