Alfred Oscar Coffin (born May 14, 1861) was a Professor of Mathematics, and Romance language. He is best known for being the first African American to obtain a Ph.d in Biology. Alfred Coffin earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master's Degree at Fisk University. In 1889, He earned his Ph.d in Biology at Illinois Wesleyan University. In 1887, Alfred Coffin taught at Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College for two years in Mississippi.From 1889 to 1895, He then later became a Professor of Mathematics and Romance Language at Wiley University at Marshall, Texas.