“As I try and mark my place among the stars. The most important thing is the journey to the stars. I’ve fallen short numerous times but with each attempt at launch I’ve filled my starship with friends, colleagues, and most importantly mentors. ”
Humans to Mars 2020 Summit
I had the pleasure of speaking about space education on the MARS EDU: LAUNCHING THE JOURNEY TO MARS panel. I look forward to what comes next for me as a public speaker and continue to help pave the way to inspire the next generation of space leaders!
Thank you SEDS-USA advisors, staff and board. A special shoutout to my mentor J.R. Edwards for nudging me out of my comfort zone.
MARS EDU: Launching the Journey to Mars with STEAM, The #HumanstoMARS Virtual Summit Series 2020
I’m available for speaking engagements please contact me to schedule an event.
My Background
Born George Opoku Sarkodie to Joanna Akyeampng and Kwabena Sarkodie of Accra, Ghana. I’m referred to as Kojo which is my given Ghanaian name which means “born on Monday!"
I’m an Software Test Engineer for Raytheon Missiles & Defense. Prior to entering the Aerospace & Defense industry, I was a summer research intern at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in 2019. While at BCM, I would read about the different paths medical professionals can take in order to support NASA's mission of human spaceflight and research.
This indirectly led me to be elected as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS-USA), which is the largest student-run, STEAM organization in the world.
In my tenure, I led SEDS-USA into a Space Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of STEM Engagement.
Education
University of North Texas & West Virginia University
BS. Biomedical Engineering from UNT
Focus: Instrumentation and Space Health
Research: Smart polymers for biomedical applications and posture standards in trumpet players using motion analysis software.
Co-established Performance Arts Health Research Group
Successfully filed IRB for Biomedical Human Research.
Submitted abstract to Performance Arts Medicine Association (PAMA).
Fun Fact: I’ve dissected 5 human cadaver brains as well as have a pending medical device patent.
Midfielder in the 2018 North Texas lacrosse season.
Founded UNT SEDS Rocketry.
Beta Theta Pi Alumni
UNT Biomedical Department with Obi Anyadiegwu (Project Engineer at Lockheed Martin Skunkworks), Vijay Vaidyanathan (Founding Department Chair), and Lesa Roe (Former Deputy Administrator of NASA and Chancellor of the UNT System)
Satellite 2020 - SEDS-USA Board and Staff Dinner
Follow My Journey.
Read the latest article written by Amy Meadows about my entry into the aerospace industry.