Derek Hand

Derek Hand is an experienced software engineer currently serving as a Senior Staff Software Engineer at SciTec, Inc. since June 2022, following a position as Staff Software Engineer. Prior to this, Derek worked as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at Oregon State University, facilitating learning in Discrete Mathematics and Computer Architecture. Derek's background includes roles at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan as an Observation System Associate and Night Operations Assistant, where responsibilities involved managing telescope operations and monitoring safety during nighttime observations. Additional experience includes teaching and research assistant positions at the University of Wyoming and the University of Hawaii, as well as a research internship at Gemini Observatory. Derek holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in Astrophysics from the University of Wyoming, and dual degrees in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Hawai‘i System.