Derek Thompson, a plasma physicist and electric propulsion systems engineer, has been driving technological advancements in energy and space exploration. With an impressive academic background, including a Physics degree from the University of Chicago, a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Ph.D. in Physics from West Virginia University with a 4.0 GPA, Thompson has amassed a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise in his field. He has worked as a Lead Propulsion Systems Engineer at Phase Four, where he led the development of advanced propulsion systems for space exploration. Previously, he served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at West Virginia University and worked on various projects as a Graduate Research Assistant at both West Virginia University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Thompson has also served as a Research Assistant at Fermilab, where he gained valuable insight into the world of particle physics and cosmology. Overall, Derek Thompson has proven himself as a competent and experienced professional in the field of plasma physics and electric propulsion systems engineering.