Koffi’s parents wanted their kids to have the best education, and coming to the U.S. for college after high school became part of their plan. Koffi started researching college’s that were known for their Engineering program and found Vermont Tech. Traveling all the way from Lomé, Togo, West Africa, an international student at 17, Koffi became a Vermont Tech Knight! Soon after, he joined Vermont Tech Athletics and played on the Men’s Basketball Team. Koffi found that being an athlete and an Engineering student helped him stay focused with his studies and also taught him time management skills. He encourages incoming students to “try your best to get involved on campus” as Koffi found it very helpful for him during his time at Vermont Tech.
Graduating in 2009, Koffi decided to stay in higher education and get his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship at University of Massachusetts Lowell. Vermont Tech being his first step into the engineering world, he said earning his degrees, “helps me understand various inventions from staff in the Engineering Department.”
Koffi now lives in Virginia, and works at Virginia Commonwealth University as a Technology Commercialization Manager. Here he manages portfolios of new technologies or inventions created by researchers. Having his Engineering degrees, he can evaluate the commercial potential of the invention, ensuring that the University technologies are protected (Intellectual Property Protection) by coordinating with patent attorneys.
Outside of work you can find Koffi working on his side business called JASPER Delicacies. He takes his love of cooking and baking and creates delicate French pastries! You can see what delicious creations he makes on Facebook and Instagram (@JASPERdelicacies). On his off time, he also enjoys going to church, the gym, and the movies.