Percy Julian's Kevo

Percy Lavon Julian, known as the Soybean Chemist for his work that led to mass production of synthetic testosterone and progersterone hormones, was born in Montgomery, Alabama on April 11, 1899 to James and Elizabeth (Adams) Julian. Julian's father wa sa railway mail clerk and he was educated in the public schools of Montgomery.. He received his BA from DePauw University in 1920, his MA from Harvard in 1923, and his PhD in 1931, from the University of Vienna.

After holding several positions at many prestigious institutions, Julian became Director of Research at the Glidden Company, where he would perform research that would lead to his nickname as "Soybean Chemist". Using soybean products, Julian created synthetic cortisone, and also enabled scientists to create mass production of testosterone and progesterone using soybean products. He worked with Glidden company until 1953, when he founded Julian Laboratories. In 1964 he became president of Julian Associates and director of Julian Research Institute, a position he held until his death in 1975 of cancer.

Among the honors Percy Julian received are a commemorative stamp issued by U.S. Postal Service; induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, American Institute of Chemists; the Procter Prize, Chemical Pioneer Award, Silver Plaque Award, and Chicagoan of the Year from the Chicago Sun-Times.
Climb to Fame
Creator of synthetic cortisone. His work with soybeans led to mass production of testosterone and progersterone hormones found in women and men.
Work History
"1964-1975 president, Julian Associates, and director, Julian Research Institute,

1953-1964 President, Julian Laboratories and Laboratorios Julian de Mexico

1945-1953 Research Director and manager of fine chemicals development, Glidden Company

1936-1945 Director of Research, Soya-products division, Glidden Company, Chicago

1932-1936 Research fellow and teacher of organic chemistry, DePauw University

1931-1932 Professor and departement head, DePauw University

1927-1929 Associate Professor and Head of Chemistry Department, Howard University

1926-1927 Professor of Chemistry, West Virginia State College for Negroes

1925-1926 Research Assistant, Chemistry, Harvard University 1920-1922 Chemistry Instructor, Fisk University"
Affiliations
" Phi Beta Kappa; National Academy of Science; fellow, Chemical Society of London, New York Academy of Science, and American Institute of Chemists. "
Awards
Percy Julian has also won numerous Awards