Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann takes over as quiz mistress for 2024 NSMQ quarterfinals to finals

Born in 1969, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann is a renowned Biomedical Engineer, a Senior Lecturer and Founding Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon and the famed Quiz Mistress of Ghana’s National Science and Maths Quiz Television Program.

Professor Elsie had her Secondary education at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School where she studied General Science. In 1988 Professor Elsie had a scholarship to do an International Baccalaureate Diploma at the United World College (UWC) of the Atlantic in Wales.

Thereafter, Prof. Elsie obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering (BSE) at the University of Pennsylvania. Having a knack for Academia, Prof. Kaufmann proceeded with a Master of Science in Engineering (MSc.E) at the same department at the University of Pennsylvania.

Prof. Elsie was the first woman appointed to head the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, Legon, and has headed that department from 2006-2012 and 2014-2016.

While serving as a lecturer Prof. Elsie has also served in another varying capacity at the University. One as a member of the University of Ghana’s Planning Committee established by the Academic Board to see to the successful establishment of the University’s Faculty of Engineering Sciences, and secondly, as a member of the three-person Implementation Committee established by the school’s VC.

Prof Elsie also served as a representative of the non-professorial academic staff on the University Council of the University of Ghana (UG) for four years. She is also a Board member of the British International School, Ghana, as well as a Board member of the African Gifted Foundation Ghana (African Science Academy).

Currently, Prof. Kaufmann is the President of the Ghana Society of Biomedical Engineers, Quiz Mistress of Ghana’s National Science and Maths Quiz Television Program, and Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, UG, Legon.