Medical Science Research at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn

During the 1940s-1950s

By: Andrea Durham

As of 2025, NYU Tandon, formerly known as the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (PIB), has taken several steps to solidify its identity as an interdisciplinary, prestigious engineering research institution. This has been especially apparent through the recent partnerships with Langone Health, expansions in faculty, and initiatives to ensure engineering approaches are being applied to health (NYU Tandon School of Engineering, 2024).

Though NYU Tandon is starting to make its presence more well known in the realm of medical science, the engineering school has prior history relating to medical research. Strikingly, the 1940s and 1950s marked an active period of the exploration of medical sciences at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (PIB). Though many faculty members and affiliates were engineers, their work branched out and had implications for human health. Battery patents became the basis for the development of the cardiac pacemaker, which was a result of former Poly student and Fellow Samuel Ruben’s work. Adjunct professor Morris B. Jacobs' work on toxicology informed the public about exposure to pollutants and warfare agents and their effects on human health. Herman F. Mark – a renowned polymer scientist and Poly faculty member – worked on protein folding and polymers, which had implications for understanding cellular systems, biological structures, and biocompatible implants for cardiovascular health. David Harker was a crystallographer that headed a Protein Structure Project at PIB during the 1950s to determine atomic positions within proteins. These scientists shared the same background of being affiliated with Poly and contributing to or conducting portions of their respective projects during the 1940s and 1950s.

Image 1:  Photographs of Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn circa 1950-1960 (left) and NYU Tandon School of Engineering circa 2025 (right) Sources: Poly Archives and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, 2025

This exhibit explores the landscape of medical research during the 1940s and 1950s at PIB. This exhibit emphasizes the background and works of each PIB affiliate aforementioned to understand how these PIB researchers envisioned the field of medical science, how their work went onto influence the field of medical science, and the PIBs surprising response. Across time, medical research has been present at this institution, but it was not always accepted. Hence, this exhibit reveals a paradigm shift from rejection to acceptance of the medical research discipline from PIB to NYU Tandon.

Medical Research in the U.S. During the 1940s-1950s:

Medical research efforts were seen continuously in the U.S. throughout the 1940s and 1950s. For instance, in “Places of Public Health: Medical Research during World War II”, Hannah Haack describes medical research efforts that took place during World War II (WWII). As Haack describes, during WWII there was an emphasis on developing new medical techniques and finding ways to protect public health. This is because during World War I, public health was deemed very deficient. Millions of people were infected with influenza worldwide in 1918, which was in part a consequence of the movement of troops (Haack, 2022). Going into WWII, there were concerns that another outbreak could diminish the amount of people able to serve, and that diseases could be used as bioweapons. These concerns made US officials even more inclined to invest in public health and medical research during WWII (Haack, 2022).

Image 2:  Photograph of President Franklin D. Roosevelt Dedicating the new NIH campus in Bethesda in 1940 (Source: National Library of Medicine)

In 1940, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the National Institutes of Health buildings (Haack, 2022). An Industrial Hygiene building which was located in Bethesda, Maryland was one of them (Haack, 2022). As Haack explains, the motive was to promote world health and provide the medical research needed to counteract wartime conditions. The Industrial Hygiene building was highly regarded since it would allow for the study of hazardous chemicals along with workplace hazards (Haack, 2022). This building also incorporated pressure chambers which would allow for the study of the impact of different altitudes on humans (Haack, 2022).

During this time, several other laboratories became sites for vaccine production (Haack, 2022). For instance, in 1940, Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana became a well established laboratory for national vaccine production (Haack, 2022). During 1940, this site created vaccines for yellow fever and typhus for civilian use (Haack, 2022). By 1942, the laboratory expanded to also produce vaccines for military use, and by 1945, nearly 10 million yellow fever vaccines were distributed (Haack, 2022). The Rockefeller Institute was also involved in the distribution of vaccines and by the end of 1945, the institution had produced and distributed over 30 million yellow fever vaccines worldwide (Haack, 2022).

Between 1942-1945, the US army also faced a malaria outbreak which led to a quest to find ways to counteract this pressing problem (Paltzer, 2016). This was marked by a time of drug development and finding alternative solutions. Quinone was a drug that was highly effective for treating malaria, but it became difficult to obtain and other treatments had to be sought out (Paltzer, 2016). This led to the production of the drug Atabrine, which became dispersed between 1943-1944 (Paltzer, 2016). However, negative speculative remarks started to circulate, and the insecticide DDT became used in conjunction with Atabrine (Paltzer, 2016).

The 1940s and 1950s was also a time of great medical advancements some of which stemmed from earlier discoveries. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 was highly influential and led to an era of antibiotics in the 1940s (American Chemical Society, n.d.-b). This event was regarded as one of the greatest advances in therapeutic medicine (American Chemical Society, n.d.-b). During WWII, the US produced antibiotics on a large scale and made this medicine more accessible (American Chemical Society, n.d.-b). In the era of antibiotics in the 1940s, the antibiotic Streptomycin was isolated by the Waksman research group at Rutgers University, which led to the first effective treatment for tuberculosis (American Chemical Society, n.d.-b). In the 1950s, diagnostic test strips were developed which helped serve as indications of diabetes (American Chemical Society, n.d.-b).

Image 3: Picture of Selman Waksman (right) with graduate student Albert Schatz (left) in 1943 at Rutgers University ; Source: (Warshaw, 2016)

Moreover, during the 1950s, polio vaccines were developed and infection rates were lowered

(Willige, 2023). Polio is a deadly viral disease and there have been cycles of epidemics beginning since the 1900s (Willige, 2023). In 1947, Jonas Salk began research on the poliovirus and by 1952, he had developed a vaccine and tested it on children and by 1954, nationwide testing was conducted (PBS, 1998b). Following several deaths, the initiative was halted until the reason was found (Willige, 2023). The administration of the vaccine continued until August 1955 (PBS, 1998b). From 1955-1957, there was an observed reduction in the amount of polio cases, and Salk’s vaccine became used worldwide (PBS, 1998b) 

The 1950s also marked a time of nucleic acid research and led to the discovery of compounds to disrupt leukemia cells (PBS, 1998a). This discovery was developed by Gertrude Elion in 1950 with the Hitchins research group (PBS, 1998a). Notably, Elion was also once a doctoral student at PIB (American Chemical Society, n.d.-a). Furthermore, the understanding of protein structure developed in the early 1950s under the pioneering research efforts of Linus Pauling (National Library of Medicine, 2019). He conducted research at California Institute of Technology (CIT) (The Nobel Prize, 2025). In the 1950s, Pauling developed a model-based approach to understanding the structure of proteins (National Library of Medicine, 2019). For instance, in 1951, he published about a fundamental structure in proteins – the alpha helix (The Nobel Prize, 2025). These were notable advancements in the field of molecular biology, and it earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 (National Library of Medicine, 2019).

Image 4: Linus Pauling in 1954 Holding A Model of the Alpha Helix (Source: Caltech News Bureau)

Overall, the 1940s-1950s was a pressing time in US history. This was a time of warfare, as World War II was taking place. The US was also faced with the challenges of outbreaks, such as  malaria (Paltzer, 2016). Along with these challenges were answers that were built on the principles of medical research. The 1940s and 1950s was also integrated with a response to these hardships, which took the form of advancements in drug and vaccine development. This was also a time of scientific discoveries, especially in regards to molecular biology.

Image 5: Timeline of Relevant Key Events in U.S. Medical Research During the 1940s and 1950s;

Source: (Durham, 2025)

Efforts at PIB to Advertise Medical Research During the 1940s-1950s:

During the 1950s, PIB seemed to advertise itself as an engineering school. There was a fine demarcation between being an engineer and being a physical scientist. This was especially emphasized in research catalogs that circulated during the 1950s. The physical sciences encompassed fields such as astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics. Chemists and physicists were defined as “pure” scientists that were focused on the fundamentals of gaining knowledge, while engineers were described as the ones to apply knowledge and discover practical applications. However, their works were described to be so closely related  that they seem to overlap. PIB was concerned with raising engineers and scientists with personal integrity, an inclination to the handling of material things, curiosity, patience, and the ability to make accurate observations, think clearly, and analyze and construct (Careers in Engineering and Science Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn 1955).

Image 6: Explanation of Engineering in Comparison to Science from 1955 PIB Career in Engineering and Science Catalog (Source: Poly Archives)

Image 7: Curricula for Engineering and Science Majors in 1955 PIB Career in Engineering and Science Catalog  (Source: Poly Archives)

In terms of curricula, PIB provided rigorous curricula with opportunities to study the physical sciences or engineering. There was no particular emphasis on medical science. For instance, there was no apparent Pre-Medicine Major. However, it was noted that physicists could take up positions at medical school or research institutions (Careers in Engineering and Science Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn 1955). Also, the Department of Chemistry did draw some parallels to being able to apply the knowledge of organic chemistry to the study of synthetic drugs and antibiotics.

Image 8: Department of Chemistry Section of PIB Career in Engineering and Science Catalog 1952 [highlights added for emphasis] (Source: Poly Archives)

Emphasizing medical research did not appear to be a developed tactic for drawing applicants or potential students to PIB during the 1950s. However, medical research seemed to be blooming at PIB during the 1940s-1950s and PIB was involved in collaborative efforts with other institutions during this time. Herman Mark’s Institute of Polymer Research held symposia on Saturday mornings, which were events where leading scientists would speak about their works (American Chemical Society National Historic Chemical Landmarks, n.d.). Over the years, several of the highlighted works at the symposia were directly connected to medical scientists. For instance, The Brooklyn Cancer Committee of the American Cancer Society and PIB held the symposium, “Application of Physical Methods to Cancer Research” in 1949 and “Effects of Radiations on Biological Systems” in 1950 (Poly Archives). Moreover symposia on “Protein Interactions” and “Biosynthesis” were held in 1952 and 1953, respectively. The scientists came from institutions including Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Columbia University, National Institutes of Health, MIT, Yale University, and U.S. Public Health service, to name a few (Polymer Research Institute Symposia, Poly Archives).

Image 9: Pictures from the Polymer Research Institute Symposia 1949-1969 (Source: Poly Archives)

PIB was also receiving financial support from various institutions, which was outlined in the Report of the President, 1957/1958. From the 1940s to the 1950s, sponsored research funding increased dramatically. Funding in 1941-42 was $63,467 while it jumped to $2,010,542 by 1954-55 and $2,629,095 by 1957-58.

Image 10: Sponsored Research at PIB During the 1940s and 1950s from Report of the President, 1957/1958 [highlights added for emphasis] (Source: Poly Archives)

The PIB Report of the President 1957/1958 also revealed that research at PIB was sponsored by Air Force, Army, Navy, other government agencies, and industrial sponsorships. Electronics and Aerodynamic research were heavily emphasized and conducted by PIB’s Microwave Research Institute and Department of Aeronautical Engineering. The Department of Chemistry had less expenditure than both of these departments, but the research projects completed were described as rich and captured the “depth” of the faculty. Insight was also provided on an ongoing Protein Structure Project, whose 1957-1958 academic year expenditure was $86,068.

Image 11: Expenditures for Research Projects at PIB from 1957-1958 Report of the President, 1957/1958 [highlights added for emphasis] (Source: Poly Archives)

As discussed later in this exhibit, the Protein Structure Project was implemented in June 1950 at PIB. It was headed by David Harker. The project was set to be supported for 10 years, and it was sponsored by the Dean Langmuir Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Damon Runyon fund (Goodman, 1953). The goal was to study protein crystals and specifically determine the positioning of atoms within it (Goodman, 1953).

Overall, PIB seemed to have major, ambitious projects going on related to medical science during the 1940s-1950s. There were external efforts from affiliates to integrate medical science into the conversation of engineering. However, official programs for students on behalf of the institution itself did not seem to emphasize this aspect with only brief mention of medical science.

References

American Chemical Society. (n.d.-a). Gertrude Elion. American Chemical Society. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/women-scientists/gertrude-elion.html

American Chemical Society. (n.d.-b). Medical Miracles. American Chemical Society. Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/medical.html

American Chemical Society National Historic Chemical Landmarks. (n.d.). Herman Mark and the Polymer Research Institute—Landmark. American Chemical Society. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/polymerresearchinstitute.html

Caltech News Bureau. Linus Pauling gesturing toward a model of the alpha-helix. August 1954.

ID: 1954i.38; Special Collections & Archival Research Center, Oregon State University

Libraries.https://scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/coll/pauling/proteins/pictures/1954i.38.html

Careers in Engineering and Science Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, 1952; Unprocessed

Material; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

Careers in Engineering and Science Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, 1955; Unprocessed

Material; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm52sa.html

Durham, A. (2025). Timeline of Relevant Key Events in U.S. Medical Research During the 1940s and 1950s [Graphic].

Goodman, D. (1953). Protein Structure Project. The Scientific Monthly, 77(2), 110–112.

Haack, H. (2022, August 24). Places of Public Health: Medical Research during World War II. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/places-of-public-health-medical-research-during-world-war-ii.htm

National Library of Medicine. (2019, March 12). Two Nobel Prizes. Linus Pauling - Profiles in Science. https://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/mm/feature/nobel

NYU Tandon School of Engineering. (2024, November 21). Jeffrey Hubbell joins NYU Tandon to lead new university-wide health engineering initiative and expand the School’s bioengineering focus | NYU Tandon School of Engineering. NYU Tandon School of Engineering. https://engineering.nyu.edu/news/jeffrey-hubbell-joins-nyu-tandon-lead-new-university-wide-health-engineering-initiative-and

NYU Tandon School of Engineering. (2025). Contact Information and FAQ | NYU Tandon School of Engineering. NYU Tandon School of Engineering. https://engineering.nyu.edu/academics/departments/technology-management-and-innovation/contact-information-and-faq

Paltzer, S. (2016, April 30). The Other Foe: The U.S. Army’s Fight against Malaria in the Pacific Theater, 1942-45. The Army Historical Foundation. https://armyhistory.org/the-other-foe-the-u-s-armys-fight-against-malaria-in-the-pacific-theater-1942-45/

PBS. (1998a). A Science Odyssey: People and Discoveries: Drugs developed for leukemia. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm50le.html

PBS. (1998b). A Science Odyssey: People and Discoveries: Salk produces polio vaccine. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dm52sa.html

[President Roosevelt dedicates the new Bethesda campus of the National Institute of Health 3].

1940. Images from the History of Medicine (IHM). ID: 101448011, U.S. National

Library of Medicine. http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101448011.

Report of the President, 1957/1958; President’s Report 1957/58, 1958/59, Unprocessed Material;

Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

Symposium on the Application of Physical Methods to Cancer Research, 1949; Unprocessed

Material; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

Symposium on “Biosynthesis”, 1953; Unprocessed

Material; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

Symposium on the Effects of Radiations on Biological Systems, 1950; Unprocessed

Material; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

Symposium on “Protein Interactions”, 1952; Unprocessed

Material; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

The Nobel Prize. (2025). Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1954. NobelPrize.Org. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1954/pauling/facts/

333 Jay Street Entrance Exterior, Early Views (1950s-1960s): 1950-1960, circa 1950-1960; Poly

Archives Historic Photograph Collection; RG 026; Box: 1; Folder: 25; Poly Archives at Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, New York University.

Warshaw, R. (2016, April 18). Selman Waksman: Rutgers Alumnus, Researcher and Nobel Prize Winner Developed System to Discover Antibiotics. Rutgers University. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/selman-waksman-rutgers-alumnus-researcher-and-nobel-prize-winner-developed-system-discover

Willige, A. (2023, May 11). From smallpox to COVID: The medical inventions that have seen off infectious diseases over the past century. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/05/medical-inventions-infectious-diseases-vaccinations/