Research Team
Darrin M. Hanna, Ph.D.
Dr. Hanna's research laboratory at Oakland University engages top graduate and undergraduate researchers in theoretical and experimental research. This research includes mixed-mode systems design, embedded artificial intelligence and signal processing, biosensors and nano-imaging, and cybersecurity. Of particular interest are researching techniques for developing high-speed, precision scan probe microscopy (SPM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) processing systems using FPGAs. The research conducted in Dr. Hanna's lab advances the state of the art in these individual areas while elegantly combining new developments to create embedded systems that push the frontier in SPM nano-imaging towards new applications.
He would like to dedicate this page to his outstanding students.
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
- Albert Einstein
Graduate Researchers
David Stern
David Stern is a Ph.D. student in Embedded Systems at Oakland University. David earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Oakland University in May 2018 and his Master of Science in Embedded Systems in May 2020. His areas of interest have been implementing AI algorithms in embedded systems using FPGAs and full-stack software development with a focus on cloud tools. Along with his research, he is currently a teaching assistant for a hardware design course and teaches a certification program for professionals on cloud tools and cross-platform mobile development.
David enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling when he isn't working. He hopes to get his pilot's license within the next couple of years to make these adventures easier to do.
"[Coffee] is the lifeblood that drives the dreams of champions.”
Matthew Horvath
Matthew Horvath is originally from Quincy, Illinois and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He graduated from Oakland University with a Master's degree in Embedded Systems in August 2023 and Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering in 2020. His area of interests include pattern recognition, full stack software from embedded to cloud, and hardware design and testing in FPGAs. He is currently working as a research assistant and a teaching assistant for undergraduate classes. Outside of his studies, Matthew loves watching the Lions, Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings. He also plays basketball regularly.
Adam Kidwell
Adam Kidwell is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He graduated with a Master's in Embedded Systems in 2024 and a Bachelor's degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Oakland University in 2022. Adam worked as an Electrical Engineering Hardware intern in Marelli's Automotive Lighting department for a year during his undergraduate studies. He currently is a research and teaching assistant at OU. He is particularly interested in AI and high-speed, lightweight hardware on FPGAs. Adam loves to ride bikes, go on hikes, and travel.
Undergraduate Researchers
Jacob Chunn
Jacob Chunn is currently an undergraduate senior studying Computer Science and is set to begin his Master’s in Computer Science following his graduation in December 2025. With a value-first mindset toward business, he is passionate about integrating both classical machine-learning and modern large language models for real-world business applications. He brings extensive full-stack development experience to his projects and, outside of programming, loves to fly planes and is currently working toward his private pilot’s license.