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While completing his post-doctoral fellowship in behavioral neuroscience at the University of Virginia in 2003, Derrick Hassert saw an announcement for a faculty position at Trinity in a psychology magazine.

“When I read about the opening, it sounded perfect. I felt that announcement articulated what I would have written if I were to write a job description of what I wanted.”

Dr. Hassert teaches courses in research methodology, experimental psychology, biological psychology, animal learning, and cognitive psychology. “As a professor, I emphasize the empirical and scientific basis for psychology as an academic and applied discipline.”

After receiving his Ph.D. in 2000, Hassert taught statistics and research methodology as an adjunct instructor at Roosevelt University, worked as a research coordinator at Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and also engaged in behavioral neuroscience research at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Virginia focused on the neurobiology of learning and memory. 

Hassert, a native of Shorewood, Illinois, also has a strong interest in bioethics and neuroethics, having taught a course in neuroscience and ethics at the Center for Christian Studies in Charlottesville, Virginia, while working as a researcher at the University of Virginia. His time at the Center provided opportunities for him to wrestle with and give more thought to the tension that exists between advances in science and the value of human life. Dr. Hassert continues to write and give presentations in the area of neuroethics, incorporating these topics into his courses that address ethical issues in biological and behavioral research.

 “I’ve always been intrigued by how people think and behave and how they experience the world. Teaching at Trinity gives me the time and opportunity to interact with students more often, which allows me to learn more about them and their points of view. The discussions I share with them in and out of class help me broaden my knowledge of how people experience the world around them. I use this knowledge to enhance how I communicate ideas and concepts in the discipline of psychology to others.

“As Trinity continues to grow, I hope we don’t lose that family environment. It’s a great characteristic that promotes development and achievement for faculty and students alike.”

Hassert completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, as well as a doctorate in biological psychology. He lives in Orland Park, Illinois with his wife, Sara, and attends St. Andrew's Reformed Episcopal Church in Tinley Park, Illinois.