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Originally from South Florida, Derrick J. Vaz earned his bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication from USC in 2020, along with a performance certificate from the School of Music. He holds a master of arts in brand and media strategy from East Tennessee State University. His communication research interests include strategic messaging, crisis response and social media management. Prior to joining the Honors College staff, Derrick served as the student services coordinator in the Office of Continuing Education and Conferences at USC. 

Derrick is also an in-demand jazz bassist in the Columbia metropolitan scene. You can hear him performing weekly around Columbia with various groups, including his own: the DEG Jazz Trio and the Derrick Vaz Band. During his free time, Derrick enjoys teaching coffee brewing classes, playing in his 8-ball pool league and spending time with his lovely wife, Katherine, and their two cats, Bear and Juniper.