Originally hailing from Kansas, Derreck's journey into the world of orchids began during his time at Southwestern College in Winfield. It was there that he had the privilege of working in the greenhouses that housed the orchid collection of Max Thompson and Bryon Rinke. While Thompson and Rinke traveled to rainforests around the world in search of new specimens, Derreck took on the responsibility of caring for the orchids. Though initially nervous, he embraced the opportunity and developed an unwavering passion for nurturing these remarkable blooms. His favorite orchid was a huge Angraecum sesquipedale that, while in bloom, would fill the area in and around the greenhouses with a beautiful fragrance each night.
After completing dual degrees in Biochemistry and Biology, Derreck embarked on a Ph.D. journey at the University of California, Riverside. His research focused on the intricate interactions between bacteria and fungi in the soil. Specifically, he explored the chemical warfare between these microorganisms, studying the volatile organic compounds they produced to discover novel antifungal agents. In December of 2019, Derreck successfully completed his Ph.D., just as the pandemic lockdown began. Amidst the changing circumstances, his partner secured a job at Stanford, leading them to the vibrant Bay Area. Derreck found employment at Clear Labs in San Carlos, where he played a pivotal role in developing an automated system for DNA extraction, sequencing, and pathogen identification in patient samples.
The first product he helped create proved to be instrumental in the sequencing and identification of numerous COVID variants that emerged. By accurately identifying these variants, his work provided critical insights and valuable information to public health labs across the United States.
Currently residing in Oakland, Derreck tends to a small greenhouse that houses a collection of Angrecum species, among other delightful orchid varieties. However, his favorite plant collection thrives inside a Wardian cabinet, where miniature and young Angrecoids, Bulbophyllums, and Pleurothallids fill the space with their beauty.
Derreck Carter-House is thrilled to take on the role of Membership Co-Chair, bringing his passion for orchids and commitment to fostering a vibrant community of orchid enthusiasts.
After completing dual degrees in Biochemistry and Biology, Derreck embarked on a Ph.D. journey at the University of California, Riverside. His research focused on the intricate interactions between bacteria and fungi in the soil. Specifically, he explored the chemical warfare between these microorganisms, studying the volatile organic compounds they produced to discover novel antifungal agents. In December of 2019, Derreck successfully completed his Ph.D., just as the pandemic lockdown began. Amidst the changing circumstances, his partner secured a job at Stanford, leading them to the vibrant Bay Area. Derreck found employment at Clear Labs in San Carlos, where he played a pivotal role in developing an automated system for DNA extraction, sequencing, and pathogen identification in patient samples.
The first product he helped create proved to be instrumental in the sequencing and identification of numerous COVID variants that emerged. By accurately identifying these variants, his work provided critical insights and valuable information to public health labs across the United States.
Currently residing in Oakland, Derreck tends to a small greenhouse that houses a collection of Angrecum species, among other delightful orchid varieties. However, his favorite plant collection thrives inside a Wardian cabinet, where miniature and young Angrecoids, Bulbophyllums, and Pleurothallids fill the space with their beauty.
Derreck Carter-House is thrilled to take on the role of Membership Co-Chair, bringing his passion for orchids and commitment to fostering a vibrant community of orchid enthusiasts.