Professor Founding Business to Patent Devices

Scientist’s business risks paid off – literally!

EARLY INTEREST LED TO AN ADULT CAREER PATH

PL was born in Lyndhurst, NJ. Early on, he loved science courses in school and worked diligently at all his school courses to graduate from high school with high honors.

EDUCATION FOCUS FOLLOWS CAREER INTEREST

In college, PL received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in biochemistry and a doctorate in physical chemistry. 

FIRST CAREER – EDUCATION

Based on his academic record and desire to be a teacher, PL began his career in science as a professor of biochemistry and immunology at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He established a large, award-winning research program and directed postdoctoral studies in immunology for which he was praised for making complex issues comprehensible to his students.

SECOND CAREER – BUSINESS FOUNDER

Sixteen years after commencing his teaching career, PL founded a company to develop scientific devices and technologies: Immunicon Corp, which developed high gradient magnetic devices and cell separation technologies. This company was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. About 30 years later, he cofounded another company to develop an immuno-magnetic cell selection system with applications in gene therapy. 

PL also founded companies that created and marketed novel clothes hangers and hanging systems and large-scale water remediation processes. Late in his career, PL served as a consultant to other biotech firms. By the time he retired, PL held 64 U.S. patents. 

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(from an obituary within the Philadelphia Inquirer; this editor apologizes for his unintentional failure to credit the writer and date of publication while preparing one of the earliest career stories within this library project)