5 Questions with Faculty: Michael Leczinsky

While attending the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco this year, Leczinsky tried on the Magic Leap, a wearable device that superimposes 3D computer-generated imagery over real world objects.

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 23, 2019) – Michael Leczinsky is a professor of practice at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity (CEHC).

A lifelong resident of the Capital Region and double graduate of UAlbany, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Music in 2011 and a Graduate Certificate in Online Learning in Teaching (COLT) last year.

What research topics are you working on now?

My teaching and research in emerging technologies span many adjacent areas. This year, CEHC launched an indoor drone flight testing facility. Several of the college’s faculty, including me, designed the space, which is enclosed with netting and black rubber flooring, and offers a controlled, indoor environment for UAV flight training, along with land-based robotics research and educational opportunities.

I am also leading the college’s “makerspace,” where students can design their own drones and robotics, prototype them using 3D printers and test in our facility. The makerspace includes a variety of tools and hardware that are available to the entire campus to try out and experiment.

What made you decide to pursue a career in technology?

I have been fascinated with technology since a young age. Not only in in its application, but also in how it works. This interest prompted me to take things apart and put them back together or try to modify them. As I got older, I began to work with electronics, computer hardware, software and internet technologies. I always enjoyed the feeling of being able to write the first few lines of code or design something that you can send to a 3D printer and be able to hold in your hands once completed. This semester, I am able to share this experience with my students as they work on their projects in the makerspace and drone lab.

If you were not teaching at a university, what would you be doing?

Sharing my knowledge and teaching others is something that is extremely rewarding to me. I am a student for life and continue to learn new things every day. I find it very difficult to imagine my world without teaching or learning. I am currently working toward a master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology (CDIT) through the School of Education.

What is your favorite part of working at UAlbany?

One of the many things that make UAlbany unique is the rich and diverse environment of students, faculty and staff. It is energizing and inspiring to have the opportunity to work in an inclusive environment like this.

I started at UAlbany as a student and have been proud to return as a professor. I am fortunate to have amazing teachers as well as mentors who have guided me throughout my academic career. Now as a professor, it is rewarding to work with students to help them achieve their goals. Each day is an opportunity to make a positive impact locally, regionally, and globally. I am proud to be a Great Dane.

UAlbany’s first eSports team, led by Leczinsky, competed in the HV Gamer Con at the Albany Capital Center in March. From left: Jake Hoffman, Leczinsky, James O’Brien and Austin Portney.

What is something that the campus community might be surprised to know about you?

In addition to my work in technology, I have several degrees and certificates in other fields including English, music, and education. I truly believe this interdisciplinary background has allowed me to think outside the box in my work and with my students. Additionally, it has provided me with a unique perspective on creative thinking and problem solving.

I also have interest in both traditional games and electronic games. This semester, I created UAlbany’s first eSports team and led students in a regional competition with 24 schools and 400 competitors at the HV Gamer Con in Albany. The event was an exciting indicator of things to come in eSports.

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