Percy L. Julian Science and Mathematics Center

Percy L. Julian Science and Mathematics Center is the principal academic facility for the sciences at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Dedicated in 1990 and named for the pioneering chemist and DePauw University alumnus Percy Lavon Julian, the center consolidates laboratories, classrooms, and research spaces for multiple scientific disciplines. It serves as a central hub for undergraduate education and innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty within the liberal arts context.

History and namesake

The center was constructed to modernize and unify the science facilities at DePauw University, replacing older, scattered buildings. Its dedication in 1990 honored the legacy of Percy Lavon Julian, a 1920 graduate of DePauw University who overcame significant racial barriers to become a preeminent figure in organic chemistry. Julian's groundbreaking work synthesizing medicinal compounds like physostigmine and cortisone at the Glidden Company revolutionized pharmaceuticals. The naming of the building by DePauw University serves as a permanent tribute to his scientific achievements and his role as a trailblazer for African Americans in science and technology.

Architecture and facilities

The structure is a multi-wing complex designed to facilitate both instruction and hands-on investigation. Its layout includes dedicated wings for specific disciplines, housing numerous modern teaching laboratories, advanced instrumentation rooms, and collaborative student study areas. Key facilities within the center feature specialized equipment such as NMR spectrometers, a planetarium, and a rooftop observatory. These resources provide undergraduates with direct access to tools typically found at major research universities, supporting a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum.

Academic departments and programs

The center is the home for several academic departments within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at DePauw University. These include the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Department of Mathematics. It also supports interdisciplinary programs like biochemistry, environmental science, and neuroscience. This co-location encourages synergistic teaching and shared use of core facilities, allowing for team-taught courses and collaborative projects that bridge traditional boundaries between fields like biology and computer science.

Research and innovation

Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of activity within the center, with students regularly working alongside faculty on original projects. Investigations span diverse areas, from synthetic organic chemistry and astrophysics to computational modeling and ecology. This work often leads to student co-authorship on papers presented at conferences like those of the American Chemical Society or published in journals such as The Journal of Organic Chemistry. The center's design, with open labs and shared instrumentation, is intentionally crafted to cultivate an environment of continuous discovery and innovation mirroring a professional research institute.

Campus and community role

Beyond its academic functions, the center acts as a vital nexus for the wider campus and Greencastle community. It hosts public events like lectures from visiting scientists, star-gazing nights at its observatory, and outreach programs for local K–12 schools. The building is also a key venue for prestigious campus events such as the Science Research Fellows poster symposium. Through these activities, the Percy L. Julian Science and Mathematics Center extends its educational mission, inspiring future generations and strengthening the bond between DePauw University and the public. Category:DePauw University Category:University and college buildings in the United States Category:Science buildings