Dr. Derick Okwan

Biography

Derick Okwan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Stanford University. His research broadly focuses on understanding how the immune system contributes to chronic diseases. Okwan’s lab investigates how the modern human immune system evolved in response to stressors such as famines, pandemics, and climate changes, and how these historical factors create a functional mismatch in neutrophils, a type of innate immune cell. The lab's goal is to identify novel approaches to leverage neutrophils in combating diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune disorders, rather than depleting these cells. He completed his residency at Stanford University and has received notable awards, including the NIH Director's Transformative Research Award and the NIH Pathway Independence Award. Okwan continues to teach and guide students through various courses related to immunology and pathology at Stanford.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards