Derek Bruff

Derek Bruff is a prominent figure in higher education, serving as the director of the Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching and a senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematics. With a Ph.D. in mathematics from Vanderbilt University and teaching experience at Harvard University, Bruff has established himself as an expert in educational innovation. In his role as director, he oversees programming and offerings for faculty and graduate students, focusing on developing foundational teaching skills and exploring new ideas in pedagogy. Bruff's research interests encompass educational technology, visual thinking, and social pedagogies, which he regularly discusses on his blog at derekbruff.org. His expertise in these areas is further demonstrated by his book, "Teaching with Classroom Response Systems: Creating Active Learning Environments," published by Jossey-Bass in 2009. As a consultant to campus leaders on pedagogical issues, Bruff actively works to foster a university culture that supports effective teaching, making him a key influencer in shaping modern higher education practices.