FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Houston, Texas, in 2003 to Kenneth and Nina Cofer. My father is an electrical engineer, and my mother is an educator. I have one sibling; my older brother Kenneth III, a student at the University of Houston. Leading up to high school, I developed a general interest in science and technology, which put me in my school's engineering courses. That's when I realized that I loved machinery. I'm currently 17 years old and I'm 2 time captain of the Debate Team, a member of the National Honor Society, the UIL District Champion for Speech and Debate, and an honor roll graduate of Manvel High School. In the fall, I will be attending Howard University and major in mechanical engineering.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I want to work in the field of renewable energy. Currently, renewable energy is too expensive or inefficient, and I want to make better energy sources to help with the problem of climate change. I am pursuing mechanical engineering to create new methods and improve on the existing ones because climate change is an issue I take great interest in. I think the best way for me to help is by changing our views on energy, which is why I'm seeking a degree in mechanical engineering to improve the machines that make it.
Fun facts about Matthew
I do excellent impersonations, ie. Obama and Kermit the frog. Despite being an engineering major, I'm very politically conscious and enjoy public speaking.