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Derek holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and an Associate of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from Western. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of North Dakota. Derek brings over 15 years of oil and gas industry experience to his role as a full-time Instructor of Plant Operations and Nuclear Technology at Western. Since July 2021, he has been self-employed as a Wellsite Consultant with Jacobsen Consulting LLC, managing workover and completion operations across Granger, Wamsutter, and Rock Springs. His prior industry roles include Operations Specialist with Bison Management LLC in Denver, CO; Workover/Completion Foreman with Southland Royalty LLC; Subsurface Lead/Optimizer with Anadarko Onshore E&P LLC; and Area Manager with AMW Oilfield Services. Throughout his career, Derek has focused on optimizing field operations, improving production efficiency, and leading cross-functional teams in some of the most active energy basins in Wyoming and Colorado. His teaching is grounded in real-world experience, and he is dedicated to preparing students for success in these high-demand technical and operational fields.