Derrick D. Stokes, Ph.D., Pmp
About Derrick D. Stokes, Ph.D., Pmp
Derrick D. Stokes, Ph.D., PMP, is a Technical Program Manager at General Atomics, specializing in failure analysis of metallic materials. He has extensive experience in engineering roles across various organizations and holds advanced degrees in Physics and Materials Science.
Current Role at General Atomics
Derrick D. Stokes, Ph.D., PMP, serves as a Technical Program Manager at General Atomics, a position he has held since 2021. He operates within the Nuclear Technologies & Materials (NTM) Division of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) Group in San Diego, California. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing technical programs and ensuring the successful execution of projects related to advanced technologies.
Previous Experience in Aerospace Engineering
Before joining General Atomics, Derrick Stokes accumulated significant experience in the aerospace sector. He worked at UTC Aerospace Systems as a Failure Analysis Engineer from 2015 to 2016, followed by a role as a Fire Safety, Reliability & Safety Engineer for three months in 2017. He later served as a Staff R&D Engineer from 2015 to 2018 and as a Staff Project Engineer from 2020 to 2021 at Collins Aerospace. His roles involved analyzing and improving the reliability and safety of aerospace materials and systems.
Educational Background and Specialization
Derrick Stokes holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Materials Science from the University of Alabama, where he studied from 2010 to 2015. He also earned a Master of Science (MS) in Metallurgical Engineering from the same institution from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics at Jackson State University from 2005 to 2010. His academic focus includes the failure analysis of metallic materials and the mechanical behavior of lightweight materials.
Internship Experience
Throughout his academic career, Derrick Stokes gained practical experience through various internships. He interned at Northrop Grumman Corporation in 2006, Penn State University in 2009, and Cornell University in 2007. Additionally, he completed multiple internships at Corning Incorporated in 2010 and 2011, focusing on specialty materials and reliability. These experiences provided him with foundational knowledge in materials science and engineering.
Research Interests
Derrick Stokes has a strong interest in ballistics and materials and processes (M&P) research. His focus on these areas aligns with his professional roles and academic background, particularly in the context of aerospace and nuclear technologies. His expertise in failure analysis and lightweight materials contributes to advancements in these fields.