Derek Schaeffer

Derek Schaeffer currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, starting in November 2022. Previous positions include Associate Research Scholar and Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University from March 2016 to November 2022, and various roles at UCLA from September 2007 to March 2016, including Postdoctoral Scholar, Consultant, and Graduate Student Researcher. Derek Schaeffer's research expertise includes the experimental generation of astrophysical phenomena, high-energy laser systems, and the development of advanced software applications for educational and research settings. Educational credentials consist of a Ph.D. and M.A. in Physics from UCLA, and a B.A. in Physics and Philosophy from Cornell University.