Lenka Stepan, Ph.D.

Principal Biomechanics Consultant

Dr. Lenka Stepan is a Principal Biomechanics Consultant specializing in injury biomechanics and accident reconstruction at Guidance Engineering and Applied Research. Dr. Stepan analyzes human injuries and reconstructs accidents using biomechanical techniques that apply principles of engineering to the human body. For accidents and product failures, she determines the mechanisms of injury, uses injuries as physical evidence to reconstruct events, and examines the forces and motions in the context of those experienced during non-injurious activities. In addition, Dr. Stepan has investigated injury potential using anthropometric testing devices (crash test dummies), computer modeling, and statistical analyses of injury databases. Dr. Stepan has conducted biomechanical analyses for injury claims arising from a broad range of accident scenarios, including recreational activities (such as snowsports, watersports, mountain biking, and rock climbing), slip, trip, and fall incidents, product failures, and motor vehicle accidents.

Dr. Stepan is actively involved in sport safety research including conducting snowsports injury epidemiology studies and examining the efficacy of helmets for snow and water sports, ski area padding, skier speeds and reaction times, terrain park jumps, ski lift loading and unloading, and restraint bar use. Dr. Stepan is the USA National Secretary of the International Society for Skiing Safety, the subcommittee chair for ASTM F27.10 on Binding Test Procedures, and a member of ASTM F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and ASTM F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces and Facilities.