Derrick C. Wood

Derrick C. Wood teaches AP Chemistry at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania and truly has a passion for teaching his students that chemistry is all around them. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where he performed research on chromatography. He earned a Masters of Chemistry Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007 and a Masters of Education with leadership emphasis from Cabrini College in 2012. Derrick has given numerous presentations at NSTA and ACS National Conventions where he shared research on the implementation of case-studies as an authentic way of integrating the lab component into chemistry courses. His work in making chemistry relevant to students led to national recognition when he received the 2010 Christopher Columbus Foundation Life Science Educator Award. He also received the American Chemical Society-Philadelphia Region Award for Excellence in Pre-College Science Teaching in 2013 and was a State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching. In addition to teaching, Derrick coaches the Science Olympiad team and advises the SHINE for Christ club. Derrick lives with his wife, Anastasia, and son, Breckin, in suburban Philadelphia. They enjoy travel and outdoor sports.