Biography

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering - Jan. 2000 - Apr. 2003
Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Dissertation Title: "A Novel Method for Generating Microprocessor-less Systems with Applications in Bioengineering"

Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering - Sep.1999 - Dec. 2000
Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Cumulative GPA: 4.0

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering - Sep. 1995 - Apr. 1999
Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Engineering Major GPA: 4.0, Cumulative GPA: 3.97

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Mathematics GPA: 3.97

Awards

• Alfred G. Wilson Award, the top award for a graduating male senior at Oakland University.
• Exceptional Achievement Award, the top award given to one graduating senior in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Oakland University.
• Bragg Award for High Mathematical Achievement, given to one graduating major in Mathematics at Oakland University.
• The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) 2003 Technology Commercialization Success Award for successfully commercializing intelligent algorithms into manufacturing automation.
• The 2007 IEEE Computer Society's Undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering Teaching Award, the top award for an excellent Computer Science and Engineering educator in North America and the United Kingdom.
• The 2015 Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science Teaching Excellence Award, awarded annually to one faculty member within the School of Engineering and Computer Science for Excellence in Teaching.
• The 2017 Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science Best Journal Paper of the Year Award, presented annually to one faculty member within the School of Engineering and Computer Science for the best journal paper co-authored with a graduate student.

Background and Experience

Darrin Hanna graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with majors in both Computer Engineering and Mathematics. He graduated with top honors in both with major grade point averages of 4.0 and 3.97, respectively, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.97. During his undergraduate studies, Darrin spent two years researching Colossal Magnetoresistive Oxides with Dr. Gopalan Srinivasan in the Department of Physics at Oakland University. In addition to researching in Physics, Darrin has been a Supplemental Instructor in Chemistry since 1996. In 1999, Darrin accepted a Lectureship in Computer Science and Engineering at Oakland University followed by a Visiting Instructor position in 2000. Dr. Hanna is currently Professor of Engineering with joint appointments in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bioengineering at Oakland University.

Dr. Darrin Hanna began computer consulting while a teenager; his work has since grown several consulting experiences specializing in intelligent software application and custom hardware development. His business has continued to grow and develop, with headquarters in Rochester, Michigan. Dr. Hanna researches using mixed-mode microprocessor-less systems such as FPGAS, ASICs, tiny chips, and MEMS with artificial intelligence for biomedical applications, and has published a number of refereed publications.

Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of Bioengineering May 2003 - Present

Professor of Engineering (August 2018 - Present)
Associate Professor of Engineering (August 2009 - August 2018)
Assistant Professor of Engineering (May 2003 - August 2009)
Department of Bioengineering (August 2018 - Present)
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (July 2008 - Present)
Department of Computer Science and Engineering (May 2003 - July 2008)
School of Engineering and Computer Science

Oakland University
January 1996 - April 2003

Various capacities of service to Oakland University and, in particular, teaching university courses in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, conducting research, and serving on committees related to curriculum development in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Bioengineering.

NextStep Solutions, Inc. April 1996 - 2023 Founder and Chief Architect

NextStep Solutions, Inc. conducts business in various industries. NextStep Solutions currently holds the copyright and trademark to a first-class best-practices clinical automation system (2000 - NextStep), sales automation software package (1997 - NextSale) and an intelligent automation software package for manufacturing information and accounting (2001 - the Atrium Automation Suite).

LBE Books, LLC. December 2008 - Present Co-Author

LBE Books offers several books for learning by example computer engineering concepts, tools, and prototype boards. LBE Books have been adopted and used in both industry and academia world-wide.

Journal of Supercomputing - Advanced Embedded Systems December 2023 - Present Editor

The Journal of Supercomputing is an international journal of high-performance computer design, analysis, and use published by Springer Nature, in print since 1987. In 2023, a Section journal was created dedicated to Advanced Embedded Systems, bringing together embedded hardware, novel embedded software solutions, and advancements related to solving critical issues in embedded security, energy efficiency, or emerging applications. The journal aims to foster collaboration among researchers spanning various domains, facilitating the exchange of original research findings and practical insights relevant to the expansive realm of embedded systems. Visit the call for papers.

Research Interests

Artificial intelligence and embedded systems, pattern recognition, mixed-mode systems, BioMEMS, Microprocessor-less design, Field Programmable Gate Arrays, combinatorial optimization, and manufacturing data automation. For more information, see the Research Page.

Professional Organizations

1996 - Present Charles F. Menninger Society, Member Society for the Study and Improvement of Mental Health

"Child and Family Research for a better tomorrow; helping today’s children; saving tomorrow’s adults."

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1998 - Present Computer Science, Mixed-Mode Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Engineering in Medicine and Biology

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) 2010 - Present Instrument-rated pilot and airplane owner

Other Accomplishments / Activities

• Learned how to fly airplanes starting at the age of 13 and enjoys flying small airplanes as an instrument-rated, multi-engine commercial pilot.
      
• Teaches others how to fly as an instrument-rated certified flight instructor (CFII, MEII).
  
• Performs nationally with the DSD Center for the Performing Arts Alumni Dance Company. (2002 - 2006)
• Competed in Men's Figure and Artistic Roller Skating 1997 - 1999. In 1998, at the Regional Competition, held in Troy, Michigan placed as a Gold Medalist in Men’s Division I Figure Roller Skating and at the National Championship held in Fresno, California placed as a Silver Medalist, Men’s Division I Figure Roller Skating.
  
• Traveled, competed, and performed with the DSD Center for the Performing Arts Repertory Dance Company which ranked among the top three of all competitive dance studios in the nation in jazz, tap, lyrical, and ballet. Participated in volunteer fundraising for the Rochester Hills Dance and Art Society. (1991 - 1995)
  

Missions and Goals

"To use and extend my knowledge by teaching others and advancing my field through innovative research and teaching."