Derek Wales

Derek Wales is an accomplished Adjunct Professor at Duke University, where he leverages his extensive background in engineering and data science to educate the next generation of professionals. A graduate of West Point with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Derek served ten years as an Engineer Officer in the Army, where he designed innovative technologies such as a laser target location module. After his military career, he earned degrees from Duke's Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) and Weekend Executive MBA (WEMBA) programs. Transitioning into the tech industry, he has worked as a data scientist and product manager, applying his skills in various domains. At Duke, he teaches courses on topics ranging from virtualization to generative AI, actively engaging students with practical insights from his diverse experiences. Derek's commitment to education and innovation positions him as a key figure in bridging military discipline with advanced data science applications.