Geddes, L. A. (Leslie Alexander), 1921-

Dates

• Existence: May 24, 1921 - October 29, 2009

Biographical Information

Leslie Geddes was born in Scotland on May 24, 1921. He received his B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering from McGill University and his PhD from in physiology from Baylor University College of Medicine. In 1974, Geddes was recruited to Purdue University, where he established a biomedical engineering program and eventually became the Showalter Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering as well as Director of the Hillenbrand Biomedical Engineering Center at Purdue. Geddes conducted research in electromyography, cardiac output, cardiac pacing, ventricular defibrillation, and blood pressure. Geddes has 29 U.S. patents in his name including a regenerative tissue graft, a pacemaker that automatically increases a person's heart rate during exercise, a vital signs monitor for premature infants, and a portable electrocardiograph. He has written thirteen books and over eight hundred scientific papers, and his numerous awards include the Edison Medal (1994) and the National Medal of Technology (2006) for his contributions to electrode design and tissue restoration. Geddes retired from full-time teaching in 1991, but still taught a course and participated in research. Geddes passed away on October 25, 2009. The chair of the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, which he helped found, is endowed the Leslie A. Geddes Chair in his honor.

Citation:

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