17 Black innovators who made medtech better

14. Percy Julian

Percy Julian was a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. He is known for creating the foundation for steroid drugs to create cortisone, corticosteroids and birth control pills.

Julian went to DePauw University and attempted to earn his doctorate in chemistry. He later became a chemistry instructor at Fisk University, according to Julian’s Wikipedia page. He received his PhD from the University of Vienna.

Next >>