Derrick graduated from Philadelphia University in 2006 and earned a B.S. in biology. He began his dissertation work in May 2007 with Chris Berger, PhD in the Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics.

We are currently attempting to understand how the microtubule associated protein (MAP) tau is involved in regulating microtubule dynamics and kinesin mediated transport in the axon. Our lab employs a variety of techniques including single molecule, kinetic, and fluorescent studies. Some lab members spend their summers on the cape to perform experiments in squid axons, and we are recently beginning to take a cell biology approach to our research.

McVicker DP, Chrin LR, Berger CL. The nucleotide-binding state of microtubules modulates kinesin processivity and Tau’s ability to inhibit kinesin mediated transport J Biol Chem 2011 Oct 27 [Epub ahead of print]