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

Lincoln Lorenz

Lincoln Lorenz is a Ph.D. student in Embedded Systems at Oakland University. He graduated from Kettering University with a Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering with minors in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. His research interests include embedded systems, machine vision, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Lincoln was a co-op in the PLC firmware division of GE Fanuc, where he completed his undergraduate thesis. He previously worked as a co-op writing bolt inspection system software at Sigmatec. He is vice president of the Oakland Robotics Association which participates in the International Ground Vehicle Competition. He enjoys snowboarding, hiking, working on cars, reading, and watching movies.

Michael Lohrer

Michael Lohrer is a Doctoral candidate in Oakland's Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Mike earned his Master's of Embedded Systems degree in 2015. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Oakland University in May 2013. He is currently working with microcontrollers, wireless protocols, and telephone-data ICs in consumer products for the hearing impaired, as well as helping develop nano-imaging software for RHK's latest hardware. Mike is also an Eagle Scout, and works at Quarton elementary school teaching engineering concepts to third through fifth graders.

Mike also enjoys biking, running, skiing, robotic control systems, and computer building. He plans to pursue his masters in Computer Engineering or Embedded Systems after graduation. His favorite quotation: "You only need two tools in life: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape."

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 Master's in Embedded Systems. He graduated with my 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.

Alex Fillmore

Alex Fillmore is pursuing his Master's degree in Embedded Systems. He graduated with a double major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering and a minor in Japanese in April 2023. He is currently working on embedded computer vision processing for semi-autonomous vehicles. He worked previously as an Electrical Engineering intern at Molex with a design team making road noise cancellation sensors. His areas of interest include computer vision, ADAS, FPGA-based hardware design, and artificial intelligence. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball, snowboarding, independent video-game development, and learning Japanese.

Graeden Ball

Graeden Ball grew up in Simsbury Connecticut and is an undergraduate student at Oakland University pursuing a Computer Engineering Major. He is working on embedded computer vision and optimizing data processing and transfer. He specializes in programming FPGAs, and artificial intelligence. Before joining the lab he worked on game development in both creating computer games and with custom gaming hardware. He also makes basic and advanced tabletop board games in his free time among other creative endeavors such as creating a new phonic alphabet for the English language, Abēčē, and drawing stylized and realistic digital art.