Derek Rookhuizen

Derek Rookhuizen has extensive work experience in the field of scientific research. Derek began their career as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Institut Curie in 2013, where they played a significant role in researching the epigenetic regulation of transposable element expression and its impact on innate immune responses in myeloid cells. Derek pioneered new molecular techniques to measure the interaction of transposable elements with innate immune sensors, leading to findings suggesting that natural innate immune responses are driven by the detection of transposable elements. Derek worked at Institut Curie until 2020. In 2022, they joined Mnemo Therapeutics as a Scientist, and later moved on to Volastra Therapeutics as a Senior Scientist.

Derek Rookhuizen pursued their education by attending the University of California, Berkeley from 2006 to 2012. During this time, they successfully obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a specialization in Immunology.