Terry Allen Landers – 50th Reunion Essay

Terry Allen Landers

3551 Streamside Circle, Apt 104

Pleasanton, CA 94588

TerryLanders@yahoo.com

925-201-7624

Spouse(s): Patricia Rivnak (1971)

Child(ren): Heather (1975), Michelle (1978)

Grandchild(ren): Colton (2011), Liliana (2013), Vivienne (2014)

Education: Harvard University, PhD. 1974, Stanford University Postdoctoral Fellow, 1974–1976

Career: U of Texas Med School Houston, Asst. Professor Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 5 years; Life Technologies, Maryland, Research Scientist, 10 years; Hoefer Scientific Instruments, San Francisco, Director of New Product Development,12 years.

Avocations: Woodworking, Hiking, Reading

College: Silliman

After Yale I had the opportunity to work on both coasts and in the middle (Texas). I began working with a microphage at Harvard, then a midsize virus at Stanford, and larger viruses at a start-up biotech company in Maryland. Eventually I moved on to another area of research, instrument development, first in Maryland and later in San Francisco. These instruments were used for analysis of new viruses.

Working in this area of science, I made friends from the US to Canada and Europe. I especially enjoyed business travel to Sweden when my company was sold off to Pharmacia. Lasting friendships from those days are very special.

I worked in a field that was changing quickly. In the ’60s there was no such thing as a biotech company. While the field was dynamic, it was also filled with companies on the brink of financial disaster or success. One day I was in my favorite job only to discover the next day it was gone. I learned about mergers and acquisitions, being part of many different companies. My titles changed, I had the same desk, but I had different business cards.

I was fortunate to be chosen to interact with scientific advisory boards including Nobel Prize winners. My final job was as the science guru to the company CEO, teaching him the technology to present at executive meetings.

Thanks to my Yale education, I was known for my breadth of knowledge in a variety of fields. Without an MBA, I learned to analyze the business for profit, not just for the interesting science. Trade shows and conferences were a favorite source of innovation. Sales reps and tech support staff connected me with collaborators for potential products. I enjoyed the challenge of applying novel ideas and creating new products.

Of the many products that I have been involved in, two stand out—early development of the technology for DNA fingerprinting, and an understanding of the role of human papillomavirus in cervical cancer.

An area of science that needs more support is neuroscience, particularly Parkinson’s. I have been living with Parkinson’s since 1991 and was forced to retire because of it.

In my early years of retirement, I worked from home for a German subsidiary of a company publishing the Journal of Proteomics. Specifically, I wrote a short introductory paragraph to entice readers to delve into an article that looked hopelessly difficult. I hope I have done that for you here!

I owe thanks to my wife, Pat, as my Parkinson’s caretaker, for helping me with this essay. I also thank my daughters, Heather (Silliman ’97) and Michelle (Pierson ’00), for carrying on the Yale tradition in our family. I also thank them for their loving support and three darling grandchildren.

My last message to fellow Yalies is “Things you would want your grandkids to know”—be curious!