Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson is a Sr. Electric Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX, focusing on technological advancements in space exploration and energy. They previously served as a Principal Systems Engineer at Phase Four, where they contributed to the development of high-performance satellite plasma propulsion systems. Derek has an extensive background in plasma physics, having worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at West Virginia University and as a Project Lead at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They hold a Ph.D. in Physics from West Virginia University, a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of Chicago.