Derick D. Jones, Jr. - Columbia College Chicago

Derick D. Jones, Jr.

Assistant Professor

dejones@colum.edu

Biography

Dr. Derick DJones, Jr. or "Derick" (They|Them) is currently a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Columbia College Chicago. In 2020 Derick completed their PhD training studying microbial pathogenicity and human health using high resolution mass-spectrometry. Derick has a total of 4 scientific publications in highly revered science journals. One of which they are a corresponding author of. Derick's commitment to people and celebration of existance has received numerous awards as an accomplished STEAM advocate for underrepresented and underserved communities. 

As a Black Non-Binary Chemist, Dr. Derick D. Jones, Jr. is chartering their own way into success. Above all, they are a servant leader. Derick is forever committed to bringing hope, life, and love to every space they are in. It is with this passion coupled with many other triumph’s that Derick is a highly sought-after influencer in STEM and creative spaces. Derick has a unique ecumenical way of capturing the audiences’ attention and making every single individual feel included. Derick's passion for inclusion and development and implementation of different policies at universities is only a single highlight of their career. Their ecumenical influence resounds throughout the nation. 

Derick always remind us that they cannot save everyone, but if they can just be a light to one soul, then we will be moving towards world peace. Most recently, Derick initiated the Dr. Derick D. Jones, Jr. Research Group. A place for scholarly and creative practice and work are merged together. 

Instructional Areas

Chemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Culture! Chemistry and Queer : Organic Chemistry

Creative Practice and Research Interests

Natural Products and Drug Discovery using creative arts. Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Excellence Pedagogy in STEAM. Environmental and Social Justice Advocacy. BIPOC LGBTQIA+ Advocacy and Community Member

Degrees

B.S., Biological Sciences, Human Biology Concentration North Carolina State University 2013
M.S., Chemistry North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University 2015
Ph.D., Medicinal Biochemistry University of North Carolina Greensboro 2020