Koo, a second-generation Korean American poet, educator, editor, and nonprofit director, joins the ranks of distinguished poets who have represented the Circuit, including Pulitzer Prize winners and National Book Award finalists.

"I'm thrilled to be named this year's Connecticut Poetry Circuit Poet, as I have so much respect for the history of the circuit and all of the poets who have held this honor before me, including many of my favorites, including James Merrill, Ross Gay and Ada Limón,” Koo said.“I also admire the work the circuit does in recognizing student poets in the state through their annual undergraduate writing contest, including several of my own brilliant students at Quinnipiac," he adds.

Koo is the author of four full-length poetry collections, including “No Rest” (Diode Editions, 2024), which won the Diode Editions Book Contest and was a finalist for AWP’s Donald Hall Prize for Poetry.

His previous works—"More Than Mere Light” (2018), “America's Favorite Poem” (2014), and “Man on Extremely Small Island” (2009)—have earned accolades from prestigious institutions and national literary competitions. His poems have appeared in renowned publications such as “Best American Poetry,” “Missouri Review” and “Yale Review.”

In addition to his literary accomplishments, Koo is the founder and executive director of Brooklyn Poets, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering community among poets.

For his work, “Brooklyn Magazine” named him one of the "100 Most Influential People in Brooklyn Culture."

Koo holds a BA in English with distinction from Yale University, an MFA in creative writing from the University of Houston, and a PhD in English and creative writing from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

His work has earned fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Vermont Studio Center and the New York State Writers Institute.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit, established in 1964, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It has a long history of recognizing poetic excellence and promoting public engagement with the art of poetry. The selection of Koo is a testament to his profound impact on contemporary poetry.