Darrin M. Hanna is Associate Professor of Engineering in Oakland University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. Dr. Hanna received his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Oakland University in May 2003 after receiving the university’s three top awards in scholarship, mathematics and engineering. A natural in the classroom, his roots in teaching start from being a supplemental instructor during his undergraduate studies. Throughout his graduate studies, Dr. Hanna taught and created many courses and interactive laboratories as Lecturer and Visiting Instructor of Engineering. His research interests include reconfigurable embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and problem-based learning in computer science and engineering. His work in the classroom emphasizes creating a curriculum, environment, and teaching approach where students engage in different types of problem-based learning. This has proven successful in undergraduate and graduate courses, both small and large. Dr. Hanna believes strongly in continuously incorporating the state-of-the-art from research and techniques used in the workplace into course materials and inspiring students to excel in communicating effectively and working in teams. Dr. Hanna is also coauthor of a new series of textbooks and textbook supplements called Learning By Example.
Complementary to his coursework, he researches new methods for automatically generating high-speed, low power embedded systems and clinical methods for advancing evidence-based practice. More recently Dr. Hanna has also worked in high-speed next generation embedded systems for nano-imaging. Dr. Hanna has also successfully transferred research into commercial applications winning the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Michigan Commercialization Success Award. His clinical methods and applications are currently used to improve care for thousands of patients nationwide. He has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses in engineering problem-solving, microprocessors, reconfigurable embedded systems, and digital design using VHDL. A member of IEEE and ASEE, Dr. Hanna actively contributes to the teacher-scholar community winning the ASEE North Central Section’s best paper awards for three consecutive years.
