Past Department Spotlights
This is an archive of all of the past Math Department Spotlights. Come check out our past spotlights!
September 2024 Spotlight
Foster Opoku
Foster Nana Fosu Opoku hails from Kumasi, Ghana, a region in West Africa. He grew up in a strict and disciplined household where being a good person, studying hard, and maintaining discipline and determination were highly valued. Foster's father placed a strong emphasis on academic success, not just for him but also for his two brothers. His father's unwavering focus on grades, even expecting first place every time, instilled in Foster a relentless drive to excel in his studies. The pressure was significant—his father would check grades every semester and would scold them even if they were second in class. This environment fueled Foster's commitment to studying hard throughout his education. This drive carried him through his education, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics (Double Major) from the University of Cape Coast.
Following his graduation, Foster contributed his expertise to the Research Department at the Ghana Revenue Authority (Headquarters), where he played a key role in several impactful projects, including PAYE frequency distribution, predictive models for revenue forecasting, and VAT invoicing—all of which significantly influenced tax reforms in Ghana. His passion for applying mathematical, statistical, and economic principles to real-world challenges became evident during this time. Foster’s interest in mathematics and statistics was sparked by his experience in the Research Department of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Witnessing the practical applications of these fields in scientific research led him to develop a strong passion for research work and data analysis. He enjoys thinking critically, and a career in mathematics allows him to use his mind every day.
Foster’s commitment to leadership has been a consistent theme throughout his academic journey. He served as the school prefect in both junior and senior high school, where he advocated for students’ rights. At the University of Cape Coast, Foster held the role of First Deputy Speaker at the Parliament House, where he presided over parliamentary sessions and championed the welfare of students. Notably, he was instrumental in drafting and reviewing the new constitution for the University’s Student Representative Council, which was enacted in 2023.
One of the toughest challenges Foster has faced as an international student has been adapting to the U.S. education system. The new environment, teaching culture, and varying accents have all been difficult to navigate. He advises other students that if there are 100 points up for grabs, they should aim for all 100.
Foster is proud of his achievements, including his presentation at the 9th Annual Conference on Biostatistics and Bioinformatics in Atlanta, Georgia. His research on the "Prevalence of PIZ and PIS alleles of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency: A Study on Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium" was well-received, providing him with the opportunity to connect with other researchers and learn from their experiences. As well as presenting his work at the 2024 UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference.
One of his proudest accomplishments is achieving a 4.0 GPA in the Spring 2024 semester. After facing setbacks in the Fall 2023 semester, Foster reorganized, remained resilient, and reworked his strategies to meet his target.
Few know that Foster is a skillful football midfielder with excellent ball control, high passing accuracy, and precise shooting skills. He played for Happy Stars Academy in Kumasi. To unwind after a stressful day or week, Foster listens to the latest trending music, which helps him relax and recharge
