Derek Wood earned his Ph.D. in History from Tulane University. His primary interests include the American South (both pre- and post-Civil War), the Arts and Crafts movement, and the cultural history of New Orleans. His research explores how cultural institutions, popular media, and public narratives shaped understandings of the past in the 19th and 20th centuries. His courses blend historical methods with cultural analysis, encouraging students to engage critically with the past through music, film, literature, and the visual arts. When not teaching, Derek enjoys spending time with family and friends, attempting to cook Louisiana classics, fishing (also mostly attempting), and all things Mardi Gras.
