In Search of Genius

Description

Jenny Flowers is a science educator and program developer with 12 years of experience in the field of informal education. Jenny began her career in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) at the St. Louis Science Center. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, Jenny was hired as Program Coordinator in the Community Programs department and was responsible for developing curriculum, running a year-long teen science program, and managing two National Science Foundation grants. While working at the St. Louis Science Center, Jenny completed her Master’s in Education at Fontbonne University. In 2006, Jenny accepted a position at the Museum of Science and Industry and made the move to Chicago, Illinois. As After School Program Coordinator for the Community Initiatives Department, Jenny developed After School Science Club curriculum modules focused on various scientific topics including the human body, engineering, physics, and magnetism. Jenny taught these modules to youth workers at 60 partnering schools and community organizations.

? The In Search of Genius Foundation (ISOG) was launched in 2007 at the Chicago premier of NOVA’s film Forgotten Genius, which documents the life of Dr. Percy Julian, the African American chemist who helped make cortisone available to millions. Julian overcame countless obstacles to become a world-class scientist, millionaire, and civil rights pioneer. Like many minority scientists, his story remains largely unknown. ISOG was founded to honor the legacy of unrecognized minority scientists who have, against all odds, excelled in this field and whose discoveries have had a significant impact on all of our lives. ISOG strives to help level the playing field so that all children have an opportunity to bring their genius into the world.

In 1936, Percy and his wife Anna Julian moved to Chicago, where he became the Director of Research at the Glidden Company, a position he would hold for 18 years. Julian was the first black scientist hired for such a high-level corporate research position. The Glidden Company was a leading chemical manufacturer and was counting on Julian to develop new compounds for the emerging soy product industry that could yield commercial success. Julian did not disappoint, and pioneered a process for the chemical synthesis of cortisone, which made possible widespread and affordable use of cortisone as a treatment for arthritis.

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