Dereck Soto Coriano

Global Challenge: Advancing Neurotechnologies and Neuromedicines for Brain Health

Bio:

Dereck is a third-year student at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a minor in Biomolecular Sciences. Originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico, he is passionate about exploring the world and building global connections.
At NYU Tandon, Dereck serves as Grading Deputy and Teaching Assistant for the General Engineering Department and as a Cultural Chair for the SHPE-NYU Chapter. His academic journey has included the 2024 Undergraduate Summer Research Program, a special project at the Technical University of Denmark, and independent research presented at the 2023 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. He has also gained experience mentoring Brooklyn public school students in the areas of Mathematics and Spanish through America Reads/Counts.

Dereck’s passion lies at the intersection of medicine and brain health. He aspires to advance the study and development of safer, more effective treatments for neurological disorders, including brain cancer and mental health conditions. His most recent project at DTU focused on synthesizing peptides to support the development of antibody-based therapeutics aimed at treating hard-to-treat brain cancers. Alongside this work, he has explored interdisciplinary projects in sustainability, curriculum design, and mental health.

Outside academics, Dereck enjoys long walks, capturing moments with his film camera, catching a Mets game, and spending time reading a book or writing poetry. He hopes to continue pursuing research and leadership opportunities at the intersection of engineering, neuroscience, and global health.