Derrick Carpenter’s adventurous spirit was ignited during his youth in Connecticut; he can vividly remember his first Huffy bicycle on which he explored his neighborhood. In 2005 he turned this childhood passion into an adult hobby as he cycled 9 weeks through central Europe. Derrick is a recent graduate of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program at the University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from MIT where he also rowed as a varsity lightweight. Over the past few years he has done research on intelligence and education in the psychology departments of Harvard, Yale, and Penn.

Upon completion of the west coast border-to-border ride, Derrick hopes to apply his positive psychology education in a private coaching practice, as well as integrating positive psychology in the fields of health and fitness and education reform. Having recently written his thesis on the role of social connection and community in a meaningful life, Derrick is extraordinarily grateful for the family and friends who are supporting him on this adventure!