The grandson of Alabama slaves, African American chemist Percy Julian met with every possible barrier in a deeply segregated America. He was a man of genius, devotion, and determination, and as a Black man, he was also an outsider, fighting to make a place for himself in a profession and country divided by bigotry.

By the time of his death, Julian had risen to the highest levels of scientific and personal achievement, overcoming countless obstacles to become a world-class scientist, a self-made millionaire, and a civil-rights pioneer.

"Percy Julian was one of the towering figures of chemistry in the 20th century and one of the greatest African American scientists of all time," biochemist Gregory Petsko says.

Here's how two students were inspired by NOVA's "Forgotten Genius" to create a National History Day project about the life of Percy Julian.

Learn more about Percy Julian in NOVA's "Forgotten Genius," streaming online: http://to.pbs.org/2hGx4hS

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Percy Julian Film Narration: Courtney B. Vance Edited by Doug Quade Written by Stephen Lyons Produced and directed by Llewellyn M. Smith Digitally produced by Michael Amundson

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