Derick joined the PaCoN program after finding out about it in order to return to the field of biology. He received his BS at Eastern Washington University in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry. Having previously conducted work at a pharmaceutical company as a chemist.

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After joining PaCoN he has conducted research on the genetic recombination as a driving force for the evolution of the megaplasmid and chromosome of a bacterial plant pathogen Ralstonia sp.. with his goal being to obtain his MS before deciding to pursue a PhD or return to the workforce.