Dr. Darren Carlson, PhD
Darren Carlson is an Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. He also serves as an Affiliated Professor in the UH Academy for Creative Media (ACM).
Dr. Carlson's pioneering research spans Cyber-physical Systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), Intelligent Edge Computing, and Augmented/Virtual Reality. He founded and currently directs the UH Ambient Computing Lab, which explores new approaches for building smart, cyber-physical computing systems that connect people with each other, with digital information and with the physical world around them.
In addition to his research work, Dr. Carlson is a passionate supporter of STEM education and a long-standing advocate of open-source projects and communities.
Projects TeachingResearch Areas
Internet of Things
Plug-and-play middleware frameworks for unified sensor and actuator access with intelligent service discovery and runtime composition.
Edge Computing
Real-time distributed computing systems for low-latency, high-throughput network communications in hybrid edge/cloud environments.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Blending the physical world with digital services in real-time to create digitally augmented environments, experiences and visualizations.
Dr. Carlson has published widely in the areas of ubiquitous computing, mobile computing and edge computing. He is the recipient of multiple research grant awards from institutions such as the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
Resume
Summary of Education and Professional Experience.
Education
2009
PhD in Computer Science
University of Luebeck, Germany
2005
MSc in Digital Media
University of Luebeck, Germany
1998
BSc in Electronics Engineering
Minnesota State University, USA
Experience
2016 - Present
Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering
University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
2013 - 2016
Senior Research Fellow
National University of Singapore
2009 - 2012
Research Fellow (PostDoc)
University of Luebeck, Germany
Dr. Carlson Founded and Directs the UH Ambient Lab
Visit Ambient LabsSelected Projects
Project Details Coming Soon
Ambient Edge
Real-time Distributed Network Platform for High-performance Edge Networks
Ambient Dynamix
Smart Gateway Framework for Plug-and-play Context Sensing and Control
Ambient Ocean
Scalable IoT Search Engine with Integrated Crowd-sensing
AirGap Interactive
Dynamic Smart Space Application Platform for Interactive Media Surfaces
Ambient Flow
Visual Programming Platform for IoT and Smart Space Interaction Design
Interactive Installations
Interactive Exhibits and Installations for Museums and Public InstallationsTeaching
Dr. Carlson Has Developed and Taught a Variety of Innovative Courses at the University of Hawaii, the National University of Singapore, the University of Lübeck, and Karlsruhe University.
Cyber-physical Systems and the Internet of Things
With an estimated 100 billion devices coming online by 2025, this course teaches students the theory and practical skills needed to build smart, connected products using IoT technology and Cloud Computing. Students form "mini start-ups" and create prototype IoT systems that are presented during a simulated venture capital pitch event on the last day of class.
Video Game Design and Development
This course provides makers, designers and engineers an exciting introduction to the world of object-oriented programming through graphics, interactive media and sound. During the course, students design and develop a variety of mini video games that reinforce course concepts through the interactive exploration of programming theory and practical techniques.
Computational Media Systems
The video game and interactive media industries will surpass $300 billion in global revenue by 2025 – dwarfing mainstream entertainment sectors, such as television, music, and film. This timely course teaches students the advanced programming techniques required to build next-generation video games, virtual reality experiences and interactive installations.
Undergraduate and Graduate-level Team Mentoring
Under the guidance of Dr. Carlson, undergraduate and graduate students design and build a variety of cyber-physical systems in small teams. Example projects include telepresence robots, augmented reality medical training, disease contact tracing, indoor positioning systems, voice-controlled smart spaces, and more.
For details on Dr. Carlson's other courses, curriculum development process, seminar work and STEM presentations, see the link below.
Student Testimonials
Recent Student Reviews from Official Course Evaluations
"I was nervous to sign up for this class because it was new and so was the professor. However, this was one of the most rewarding courses I've taken at UH. Dr. Carlson really does a great job of mixing the content that he is instructing with its relevance in the current industry."
Student Course: Cyber-physical Systems and the Internet of Things "This class was very engaging and inspiring. I appreciated Dr. Carlson's initiative to integrate material that was new/cutting edge as well as relevant to students in our age group. Every class I take from Dr. Carlson, I leave feeling inspired and excited to join the computer engineering field."
Student Course: Video Game Design and Development "Dr. Carlson is an excellent instructor. He has extensive knowledge of the course material and organized the class in a way to make it easier for beginner programmers. I enjoyed the multimedia and video game programming approach used in this class and I think that it works better than a traditional Intro to Computer Science class."
Student Course: Video Game Design and Development "This is the most enjoyable and approachable course I've had taken here in UH Manoa. I almost wished I went for Computer Engineering major just because I am convinced that an effective professor produces a knowledgeable student. The homework and projects are not very easy, but the professor played big role in my capability to learn."
Student Course: Cyber-physical Systems and the Internet of Things