by Joseph Luna

A version of this article previously appeared on the blog The Incubator.

There’s much to see in the newly opened Welch Hall library. For some, it will be a wholly new introduction to such an important campus landmark, fully renovated for twenty-first century science. For others, heading into the new space will be like visiting an old friend, as the hall retains much of its original character. And yet for others, it’s a fitting place to honor a national hero. Since 2004, the portrait of founding RU scientist Hideyo Noguchi has graced the Japanese 1000 yen note, and since then, visiting the place where he worked has been on the itineraries of many Japanese tourists. Having now returned to Welch Hall from the RRB lobby, the bronze bust of Noguchi will no doubt continue to inspire in a more attractive setting. And if you know Noguchi’s story, you might just head over for a photo as well.

Picture yourself at the entrance of a prestigious laboratory in Philadelphia, where you hope to be a postdoc. You just arrived from a small village in Japan and you never went to medical school; you instead learned from textbooks (in self-taught English, French, and German) enough to pass the Japanese M.D. examination with pure hard work. On top of that, you’re without the use of your left hand due to a childhood fire accident. Perhaps you have a letter of introduction in your attaché case, but by all measures you’ve shown up out of the blue, and are hoping—no, praying—for a job. As you stand at the threshold, you become suddenly aware that you’re thousands of miles from home. Do you enter the building? Continue reading →