Dr. Ryzard M. Lec
Professor of Biomedical Technology Development
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Focus Area: Biosensors

Dr. Ryszard M. Lec is a Professor at the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Drexel University. Dr. Lec received his Ph.D. degree from Warsaw University, Poland in 1978. In 1980 / 81, he was Visiting Scientist at the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Maine. He then joined the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, where he was Head of the Ultrasonic Spectroscopy Laboratory from 1981 to 1986. From 1986 to 1990, he was Visiting Professor in the ECE Department at the University of Maine. From 1991 to 1998, he was Research Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maine, and Technical Leader of the Industrial Process Control Sensor System Program in the College of Engineering at the University of Maine.

Dr. Lec has been active in the areas of material science and instrumentation for more than 20 years. Specifically, his research efforts have been devoted to the study of viscoelastic, acousto-optic (AO), and ultrasonic properties liquid and solid media with a focus on biomedical applications. In addition, he has developed several associated electronic instrumentation, including ultrasonic spectrometers, AO Q-switches and filters, and acoustic resonant systems. Since the mid-eighties, his interest has been directed on the application of acoustic, piezoelectric, ultrasonic, and optical technologies for the development of sensors. In particular, he has designed and fabricated a variety of sensors for the medical, biochemical, chemical, and environmental industries. These included immunosensors, micro-viscometers, gas sensors, and sensors for monitoring the kinetics of chemical reactions, among others. Recently, his research interests were extended to include the use of artificial intelligence for the development of smart sensors. He has been a leader and / or member of a variety of interdisciplinary research teams.

Dr. Lec has been active in the area of engineering education for more than 15 years. His interests have been in the development of cross-disciplinary curricula, the integration of research into the curricula, and novel concepts in design projects, including hands-on experience, teamwork, and computer aided design tools. Dr. Lec has introduced three new undergraduate and graduate courses in biosensors into the Biomedical Engineering curriculum at Drexel University. This effort includes the development of a Virtual Biosensor Laboratory accessible via Internet. He has been adviser to several master and doctoral students, and he has also advised undergraduate students in the NSF-sponsored program "Research Experience for Undergraduates," as well as high school students in the Upward Bound Program. In 1993, he was formally recognized as a successful innovator in science, mathematics, and engineering education by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Lec is also a co-founder and current chief scientific officer at BioSensus, a company established by Drexel faculty in the Colleges of Medicine and Engineering and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems to develop innovative ways for healthcare workers and patients to use miniaturized acoustic sensing technology for diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring at home and at the bedside.