Julio de Paula

Julio de Paula is Professor of Chemistry at Lewis & Clark College with dual appointments in Chemistry and Health Studies departments. He leads an interdisciplinary research program combining chemistry, archaeology, and art history through fieldwork in Mallorca, Spain, collaborating with the University of Barcelona and University of Portland.

His research focuses on the chemistry of color and light-matter interactions, specializing in pigment analysis of Renaissance paintings and Roman artifacts using portable x-ray and laser spectroscopy. This work bridges scientific analysis with cultural heritage preservation, examining molecular origins of color in historical contexts and detecting undocumented restorations through modern pigment identification.

Dr. de Paula actively mentors undergraduate students in instrument operation, data analysis, and field research methodology. His students gain interdisciplinary skills spanning chemistry, physics, and art history while contributing to authentic archaeological investigations in Spain.

Prior to joining Lewis & Clark after 16 years at an East Coast liberal arts college, he developed expertise in photosynthetic systems and light-responsive conductive materials. He has directed overseas programs including the 2017 Berlin program and advocates for liberal arts education as essential for comprehensive issue analysis.