Inspiring Graduate: Stephen Aduboffour (’23)
- Hometown: Accra, Ghana, Africa
- Degree: M.S. Food Science & Technology
With two previous STEM degrees and an established career, Stephen Aduboffour traveled from Ghana to UW-Stout for his M.S. in food science and technology.
Aduboffour has his bachelor’s in biochemistry from University of Cape Coast; and a master’s in food science and technology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He has worked as a medical delegate at Nestlé, in Accra, Ghana; and a medical representative at the Himalaya Drug Company/Suprapharma Ltd., and Novartis Consumer Health, in Kumasi, Ghana.
“One thing that attracted me to study in the U.S. is the high level of processing in the food industries, which unfortunately is not the case in Africa, in general,” he said.
After 1½ years in the U.S., Aduboffour earned his M.S. in food science and technology from UW-Stout on Dec. 16, along with 526 graduates.
He plans to gain subsequent experience through Optional Practical Training, temporary employment related to his field, through the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services. He’d like to learn more about the U.S. food industry before returning to Ghana to help improve food processing and the development of the food industry there.
How has your Stout education changed you?
My Stout education has equipped me with the requisite knowledge and skills for the modern food industry.
One thing I would like to highlight about my Stout experience is the hands-on practical training, with projects embedded in almost all the courses. These projects helped me to develop skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, creative thinking and practical solutions to challenges in the modern food industry.
How well has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field and why?
The various research projects and internship opportunities I gained through my education at Stout have better exposed me to the food industry and have made me develop new insights and perspectives I didn’t have prior.
What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
For me what stands out about my Stout experience are the professors and the hands-on education they offer. You can see clearly that the professors are willing to make their students succeed.
The curriculum is designed to meet the current demands of the food industry and to equip us with the relevant knowledge and skills to succeed in our careers.
The professors closely collaborate with industry professionals. Some professors invited industry giants to lecture on some topics, and this helped me to comprehend better and to relate what I was being taught in class and the laboratories to what is being done in the food industries.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
During my education at Stout, I was awarded the International Students Tuition scholarship every semester, which helped me to finance my education. I was also awarded the Wisconsin Institute of Food Technologists graduate scholarship.
These awards, especially WIFT, boosted my confidence and assured me that the education I received at Stout equipped me with the requisite knowledge and skills to be competitive globally.
What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?
The major challenge I encountered in the early part of my Stout education was adjusting to the teaching and learning culture. I realized that teaching and learning in America was quite different from what I was used to in Ghana. There were lots of projects, assignments and practical sessions to help you acquire problem-solving skills relevant to the food industry.
With the support and encouragement of the lecturers, I was able to adjust to the new system. They were friendly and welcoming and were always more than willing to go the extra mile to explain to help me understand what was being taught. This helped me adjust to my new learning environment.
What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?
Growing up, I never imagined I would one day study in the United States. But here I am.
With the opportunity and financial assistance Stout offered me, I have been able to finish my master's in three semesters, and it makes me feel Stout Proud. I hope this inspires others to also pursue their dreams.
At Stout, I saw the population of international students, especially Africans, increase over the years. The exposure and experience my education at Stout has offered me are immeasurable, and I would like to see more international students, particularly Africans, also get such an opportunity.
