معرفی
Nicholas Derzis serves as Clinical Professor and Program Coordinator for Rehabilitation & Disability Studies in Auburn University's Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling within the College of Education. Appointed in 2012, he maintains an active research and service profile focused on correctional rehabilitation and disability transitions.
His educational foundation includes:
- B.S. in Human Services & Criminal Justice from Troy State University
- M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Auburn University
- Ph.D. in Rehabilitation and Special Education from Auburn University
Dr. Derzis's research examines corrections systems through dual lenses of career development for incarcerated populations and school-to-adulthood transitions for individuals with disabilities. His work reveals persistent gaps in vocational programming for offenders, particularly regarding gender-specific needs in PREA implementation and generational differences in career thinking. Recent publications demonstrate methodological evolution from basic skills assessments (2010) toward sophisticated analyses of policy implementation (2022-2025).
His publication trends show increasing specialization in female inmate experiences and cognitive career theory applications within correctional settings, with 5 of 12 articles published since 2022 focusing on PREA compliance and incarcerated students' career development. This trajectory indicates growing influence in correctional rehabilitation scholarship.
Community engagement remains central to his work through active partnerships with the Alabama Department of Corrections, Youth Leadership Forum, and Transition Unlimited initiatives, reflecting commitment to translating research into practical rehabilitation programming.
