In 1884, St. Elmo Brady was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He would become one of the greatest accomplished chemistry-focused scientists of his era.

The first African-American to get his Ph.D. in the United States for his study in chemistry, St. Elmo Brady graduated from the University of Illinois and seemingly had a good sense of direction of where he wanted his career to go. He was able to do a considerable amount of work for the Noyes Laboratory in 1916 which prepared him for his life’s work.

Brady’s work was influenced by Thomas W. Talley. Before he gained his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, Brady received his bachelor’s degree from Fisk University.

Brady went on to pursue teaching at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He was the first African-American to be admitted to Phi Lambda Upsilon, the chemistry honor society.

Brady’s life would be adorned with various opportunities for recognition. In 1916, The Crisis monthly magazine would call him the "Man of the Month" which was a tremendous honor in his era.

St. Elmo Brady published three papers that were significant to his work in chemistry. Eventually, St. Elmo Brady would prove instrumental in helping others establish the summer program that would allow students to learn more about the infrared spectroscopy. St. Elmo Brady died in 1966 leaving behind his legacy in the field of chemistry.