MITCHELL ROHDE:
 
MITCHELL ROHDE




 
 
 
 
 
COO of Quantum Signal LLC in Ann Arbor. Rohde has extensive expertise in integrating complex hardware and software signal processing systems and has designed, built, and tested diverse devices, such as biomedical instruments, walking and wheeled robots, hovercraft, and smart card readers. Quantum Signal develops and applies advanced image-processing based technologies, systems, and products for government and commercial applications. In 1996, Rohde created a novel, low-cost electrocardiogram for remote applications using the Nintendo Game Boy as a platform. Rohde co-founded Quantum Signal in 1999 with the express purpose of bringing advanced signal processing technologies from the academic research lab into the real world. Rohde has spearheaded and directed more than $10 million in advanced image-processing related research and development projects for the Army, Air Force, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and industrial clients. He has specific expertise in signal and image processing, robotics, real-time instrumentation, and measurement systems and has patented biomedical technology. Rohde is a member of Sigma Xi, IEEE, SPIE, Eta Kappa Nu, and Tau Beta Pi. He has bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering systems and a master's and PhD in biomedical engineering, all from the University of Michigan. He served as a Whitaker Foundation Fellow 1994-99.


WHERE BORN: "Detroit."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "Capt. James T. Kirk, former President Reagan, and my former chemistry teacher Ray Brice."

LAST BOOK READ: "Watchmen by Alan Moore, a graphic novel, and prior to that, I read a book called Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card."

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "Dedicated, reliable, enthusiastic, and a daddy."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "We specialize in two complementary fields – image processing and simulation. Both of those are focused on understanding, manipulating, and representing data and information. Our customers span industries as varied as forensics, robotics, cosmetics, and video games. And I'd say the need for new technologies and systems in these areas across the board are pretty much limitless."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "My team here builds advance gadgets for our clients. The coolest are the ones I see that are designed at Quantum. That's why I love coming to work every day."

FAVORITE PLACE: "My barn. I call it my 'fortress of solitude.'"

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "I collect and restore coin-operated arcade games. I've been collecting for over 20 years."

FAVORITE FOOD: "It's between Indian and Thai. Anything curried is good for me. And also White Castle – it cannot be beat."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I'm pretty good at fixing anything electronic – TVs, stereos, pretty much everything."

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "As someone who used his skills for the greater good."

Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.