Brent Derry, PhD

Education

PhD. | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
M.Sc. | Biochemistry, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
B.Sc. | (Honours) Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Professional Experience

2019 – Present | Canada Research Chair in Genetic models of human disease
2016 – Present | Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto
2015 – Present | Vice Chair of Fundamental Research, Garron Family Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children
2011 – 2016 | Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto
2010 – Present | Senior Scientist, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children
2003 – 2011 | Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto
2003 – 2010 | Scientist, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children
1997 – 2003 | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Santa Barbara


Research Interests

Life and Death…

Dr. Brent Derry received his B.Sc. from Carleton University, his M.Sc. from McMaster University, and his PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His PhD thesis research with Dr. Leslie Wilson focused on elucidating the molecular mechanism by which the anti-cancer drug taxol suppresses microtubule dynamics, and the role of beta-tubulin isotypes in taxol resistance. Derry carried out his postdoctoral training with Dr. Joel Rothman at the University of California where he identified and characterized the C. elegans p53 tumour suppressor gene.

In 2003 Derry joined the Research Institute as a scientist. His laboratory is focused on the application of genetics, functional genomics, and biochemical techniques to understand signaling pathways deregulated in paediatric diseases, such as cancer and cerebral cavernous malformations.

Brent may be part Senior Scientist, part Professor, part Editor, part Collaborator but he also exemplifies to be 5 parts mentor, 4 parts geek, 3 parts family-man, 2 parts rock star and 1 part song writer. Can you have too many parts?