Dr. Derron Coles is a Learning strategist with over 14 years experience designing learner-focused competency development training. Derron has a wide-ranging portfolio that runs the gamut from learning solutions for technical topics, like a globally utilized online training on river system analysis, to interpersonal skills training, such as his award winning diversity training curriculum.
Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Derron moved to Oregon to complete a masters and doctorate in civil engineering at Oregon State University. Derron spent eight years managing the mathematics program for the OSU Educational Opportunities Program. In this role, Derron lead culturally responsive efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented science and engineering students. In addition to his position as executive director of The Blueprint Foundation, Derron is also owner and principal consultant for DRC Learning Solutions (DRC LS). Through DRC LS, Derron develops and evaluates project-based curriculum for technical and social justice-oriented education programs, including school districts in Portland and Salem.