December 3, 2010 — University of Virginia researchers considering starting a company are invited to hear the "true confessions" of a successful colleague's own experiences at the final presentation of a unique lecture and networking series.

"True Confessions of a Faculty Entrepreneur" features conversations with U.Va. faculty who have translated their research discoveries into successful start-up ventures. The popular series was developed to harness the collective wisdom of U.Va.'s growing entrepreneurial technology community.

The final "confession" will be given by James P. Landers, chemistry professor in the College of Arts & Sciences who is also a professor of mechanical engineering and associate professor of pathology. His topic: "Faculty Start-Ups: What You Didn't Know You Didn't Know."

Landers founded MicroLab Diagnostics Inc. in 2003 to commercialize his innovative "lab-on-a-chip" technology, which miniaturizes and streamlines the chemical processes involved in biochemical analysis, such as DNA testing. MicroLab was acquired by ZyGEM Corp. Ltd. in May, with Landers now serving as ZyGEM's chief scientific officer.

In his talk, Landers will share MicroLab's story, from concept to acquisition, and that of his latest venture.

The talk will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the Rotunda's Dome Room. A networking reception will follow in the Rotunda's Lower West Oval Room. Central Grounds Garage parking will be validated for attendees.

RSVP by Dec. 6 to Crystal Ballif at crystal@uvapf.org. For information, visit here or contact Morgan Estabrook at morgan@uvapf.org or 434-982-4191.

The event is hosted by the U.Va. Patent Foundation, the Office of Economic Development, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the School of Medicine Office of Research, the T100 Program, the Wallace H. Coulter Translational Research Partnership, and the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Darden School of Business.