Andre Dominic Anthony Peter Cropper was born on August 4th 1961 and grew up in St James, Trinidad. He attended Newtown Boys R.C. Primary School and Fatima College. He was fascinated by Mathematics and Physics and often tinkered with electronic devices as a youngster. He knew he wanted to be an electrical engineer. An avid swimmer, he represented Trinidad and Tobago in Caribbean and international games during the 1970s.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Howard University, Washington D.C. in 1984 and a Master of Science in 1987 and taught at Norfolk State University, in Norfolk, Virginia. In his spare time, he began research on diamond technologies and their applications to semi-conductor technologies.

Cropper sent a proposal to NASA and impressed the agency with the idea, but was informed that “a qualified researcher” would take charge of the work and he would work under that person as he did not have his doctorate. He refused the offer, and in 1995 gained his Ph.D. in Electrical/Materials Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia where he developed his idea. He returned to Trinidad and lectured at the Department of Electrical Engineering, the University of the West Indies.

In 1999 he joined Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York as a Research Associate and Project Manager of OLED applications. At present, he is the Technology Development Manager for New Business within the U.S. Department of Defense and other National Laboratories within ITT Industries Space Systems Division. He determines discriminating image science, electronic and sensor product technologies needed to support innovation, prepares technology roadmaps and initiates and pursues funding for research and development projects.

In his free time he is involved in the promotion of science awareness to educate and inspire young scientists. He contributes to academic institutions conducting workshops and guest lectures at university campuses, professional organizations and science fairs. He is a role model and liaison with schools from kindergarten to secondary level.

Cropper regularly gives back to the youths of his homeland and has delivered seminars at Fatima College, St. Anthony’s College, Republic Bank Youth Link and The University of the West Indies. His vision is to promote science and engineering awareness in our society and to encourage young innovative minds to develop and attain their true potential.