From 400 pounds of gear, rats chewing through fabric, and hours of hard manual labor, QUEST BMGT/ENES 390H students had quite a challenge set for them in improving the critical military process of repacking parachutes. The QUEST BMGT/ENES 390H class taught by Professor David Ashley focuses on systems design, and this semester, the class partnered with the U.S. Army to analyze and improve its parachute packing system.
I spoke with Lasya Muthyam, Anna Fulton, and David Oloye who are Cohort 42 students in the BMGT/ENES 390H class that visited Fort Gregg-Adams in April to tour a parachute packing facility. The visit provided students with a firsthand look at the manual processes of maintaining these military parachutes, allowing the students to provide better recommendations to optimize the process and help ensure that the parachutes are safely and efficiently maintained.
Students at the parachute inspection and packing table A student trying on the parachute and its gearContinue reading →
The end of the semester brings more than just finals—it marks the culmination of months of hard work, collaboration, and real-world impact for QUEST students across all cohorts.
As always, the end of a semester marks the time to celebrate the achievements of our graduating cohort. On May 7th, the QUEST community gathered at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center for Cohort 41’s QUEST Conference. To kick off the event, Phil Tulkoff, the retired CEO and President of Tulkoff Food Products–a Baltimore-based company and a long-time QUEST project champion–shared a few opening remarks. Reflecting on their 15 years of collaboration with QUEST, Tulkoff emphasized that QUEST students consistently bring “fresh eyes, new thinking, and a level of energy that pushes [his] team to think differently.” These words are especially true for this cohort–four of whom I had the privilege of speaking with about their project and their biggest takeaways from QUEST.
As the spring sun sets on another academic year, we are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our QUEST graduates. With the semester wrapping up, QUESTees from Cohorts 39 and 40 are putting the finishing touches on their final assignments and exams, ready to flip their tassels and embark on exciting new adventures beyond graduation. From unforgettable team memories and evolving leadership abilities to impressive professional journeys, these students have left a lasting impact on the QUEST community and beyond. This month, I had the chance to sit down with some of our well-accomplished seniors to learn about their favorite QUEST memories, their post-grad plans, and how the program has shaped their college experience and future careers.
I first had the opportunity to talk with Arav Patel (Cohort 39), a Computer Science major, who fondly reminisces about his first days in QUEST. Initially drawn to the program by a flyer and encouraged by his father’s colleagues at IBM, Patel recalls being excited to step outside his typical computer science setting and collaborate with students from diverse fields like engineering and business. When asked to describe his QUEST journey in three words, Patel chose “motivating, fun, and collaborative.” He shared how QUEST brought together intelligent, driven individuals who relied on each other’s strengths. “Overcoming team challenges and forming lasting friendships with my cohort were pivotal experiences in my personal and professional growth,” he reflected. One of his favorite memories from QUEST was the Silicon Valley trip, where he had the chance to explore the city and bond with friends, including fellow senior Akash Marakath (Cohort 40), while creating unforgettable memories together.
Looking ahead, Patel plans to venture into the world of entrepreneurship by continuing to build his startup playgoldai.com and seek venture capital funding. He plans on returning to Princeton, NJ, where he will focus on growing his startup from the comfort of his hometown, all while hopefully getting in a few travel trips to new places. With the freedom that comes post-graduation, he’s eager to balance the hustle of entrepreneurship with exploring the world and embracing the flexibility that comes with this next chapter.
Patel (3rd from the left) enjoying a game of volleyball with QUEST friends.
I next had the opportunity to interview Akash Marakath (Cohort 40), a Mechanical Engineering major whose journey through QUEST has been nothing short of transformative. When asked to describe his QUEST journey in three words, Marakath chose “exhilarating, elevating, and enriching,” each word capturing the essence of his time in the program. For him, QUEST has been much more than just academic—it’s been a space for deep personal development and reflection.
For Marakath, the most important lesson QUEST imparted was “to take a deep dive into a problem before rushing into a solution.” This shift in mindset didn’t just affect his academic work—it extended into his personal life, too. “I used to be quick to react or make decisions impulsively, but now I’ve learned to pause, think carefully, and make more thoughtful choices,” he reflected. It’s a lesson he carries with him, tackling challenges with a newfound sense of clarity and confidence.
Marakath’s journey was also deeply shaped by his involvement in QUEST organizations, where he mentions finding a community despite not knowing anyone in the program beforehand. As part of the QUEST Social team, he helped organize the 2023 QUEST Formal, from designing the neon sign to crafting keychains for the first 50 attendees. His contributions earned him one of only eight Outstanding Service Awards from the QUEST Quality Guild (Faculty and Staff)—an honor given to students who go above and beyond for the program. “Creating memorable experiences for the community is something I’m truly proud of,” Marakath said, reflecting on the impact of his leadership. His efforts not only enriched the QUEST community but also sharpened skills he will carry into his career.
Looking ahead, Marakath is excited to take the next step in his journey. This summer, he’ll be interning at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a Special Programs Intern, before heading back to UMD in the fall to pursue his Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, with a focus on rotorcraft. He’s eager to continue honing his engineering skills and dive deeper into the world of aerospace, all while finding time for some road trips and a visit to Italy next year.
Marakath (fourth from left) with Quality Guild members and fellow Outstanding Service Award winners
Patel encourages future QUESTees to connect with staff early on. “At first, I saw them as just professors,” he said. “But once I got to know them, I realized they’re not just instructors—they’re mentors and friends who genuinely care about your growth.” He advises students to engage with staff like Jess, Emily, and Professor David Ashley, who provide not only academic support but also invaluable guidance and networking opportunities. “They’re people you can rely on, whether for advice on your business or just to catch up.” On the same note, Marakath believes getting involved in QUEST clubs is key to growth. “You’ll make friends and develop leadership skills you won’t get anywhere else,” he shares. Through his work with QUEST Social, he learned how to lead and collaborate, skills that have shaped his college experience. His advice: “Dive into these opportunities—they’ll help you grow in ways you never imagined.”
As we celebrate Patel, Marakath, and all of our graduating QUESTees, we look back with pride at the hard work, dedication, and growth they’ve shown throughout their time in the program. QUEST has been an incubator for brilliant minds, helping students not only excel academically but also develop critical skills that will propel them forward in their careers. We are incredibly proud of all our graduates and grateful to have had such dedicated individuals as part of our QUEST family. We look forward to the bright futures they will undoubtedly shape and are excited to see where their journeys lead them next.
If you see any familiar names below, be sure to congratulate them and keep an eye out for all the great things that will soon accomplish. Our 2025 graduates (with cohort):
What happens when a group of 24 curious, driven QUEST students are given the opportunity to trade classroom lectures for behind-the-scenes access to the world’s leading tech companies? You get a week of eye-opening conversations, elevator pitches, and unexpected career sparks– all set against the sunny backdrop of California.
At the break of dawn on January 23rd, the newest QUEST Cohort—Cohort 44—embarked on an unforgettable journey, setting out for their orientation retreat at YMCA Camp Tockwogh in Worton, MD. The crisp winter air and snow-covered trails served as the backdrop for two days filled with team-building, problem-solving, and the formation of lifelong friendships. Returning as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for another group of bright, eager students, I found myself navigating the snowy terrain of a new camp, excited for the experiences ahead.
Cohort 44 at QUEST Orientation
Upon arrival, students were greeted by the enthusiastic YMCA staff before being introduced to their teams and mentors for the semester. From there, they launched into a dynamic three-activity rotation designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
One of the highlights was “Pilot Products,” an interactive session where students were challenged to conceptualize and present innovative solutions—a fitting preview of their first course in the QUEST program. As students brainstormed and pitched their ideas, their enthusiasm and creativity set the tone for what promises to be a transformative experience in the program.
Meanwhile, on the ropes course in the snow, students engaged in classic team-building exercises led by camp staff. These activities, ranging from balancing on a small block while singing “Happy Birthday” to hoisting teammates across a seven-foot-high plank, pushed teams to rely on communication, trust, and collective problem-solving. By the end of the session, bonds had been forged through laughter and teamwork.
After warming up back at the main conference center with snacks in hand, students dove into their final challenge of the day: “Ready, Set, Launch.” Armed with cardboard, tape, scissors, and rubber bands, teams constructed catapult-style devices, competing to launch ping pong balls and marshmallows with the greatest accuracy, distance, and power. The friendly competition, filled with strategic adjustments and enthusiastic cheers, made for an unforgettable afternoon.
As night fell, the group gathered indoors for a well-earned evening of relaxation. A bonfire crackled as students roasted marshmallows for s’mores, while others bonded over board games and impromptu ping pong matches—an easygoing close to an action-packed day.
Day two began with an unforgettable wake-up call—an energetic mix of the Angry Birds theme song and clattering pots and pans, courtesy of the ever-spirited TAs and mentors. Once breakfast was served, students rehearsed their product pitches, leading up to their first QUEST presentations. The culmination of their efforts resulted in compelling and creative pitches, with the standout team—Chips and QUESTo (Javier Coleman, Noah Gonzalez, Joanne Lee, Sydney Luong, and Sereen Aridi)—earning the coveted QUEST Padfolio for their outstanding performance.
The winning team and their poster
The retreat concluded with an insightful session led by QUEST Program Coordinator Emily Marks on communication styles and team development stages. This discussion provided a crucial foundation for the challenges and collaborations Cohort 44 will navigate in the months ahead. With newfound confidence and strengthened connections, the cohort returned to campus, ready to embark on their QUEST journey.
From innovative challenges to moments of camaraderie around the bonfire, the retreat at Camp Tockwogh set the stage for an incredible semester ahead in BMGT/ENES 190H. As Cohort 44 steps into their next chapter, they do so with a shared experience that will shape their time in QUEST—and beyond.
New year, new professor, new perspective! Taught by Dr. Tony Barber, QUEST’s new version of BMGT/ENES 390H is moving beyond technology to focus on people, processes, and holistic solutions.
Dr. Tony Barber
BMGT/ENES 390H: Designing Innovative Systems, now the second course in the QUEST curriculum, teaches students about different kinds of systems and processes. Students employ the skills they have learned by working with different departments across the University of Maryland to enhance their productivity and quality.
Dr. Tony Barber, BMGT/ENES 390H’s new professor, works full-time as the Architecture Division Chief for the Office of the Chief Information Officer in the United States Army. He has a doctorate in systems engineering and has been teaching multiple graduate-level courses within the University of Maryland’s Applied Graduate Engineering Program since 2017. Those classes cover topics such as model-based systems engineering, software design implementation, statistical experimentation, and quality improvement. Regarding 390H, he is excited about the idea of student engagement and seeing students gain practical experience from working with clients.
The largest change to 390H is the shift towards covering organizational and other kinds of systems, rather than only engineering-based systems. The older version of the course focused on a technological perspective of system thinking. 390H now expands that view of system thinking into what real systems are, not just the technical aspects but a combination of concepts and components that create a whole.
Dr. Barber emphasizes that “there’s always more to a solution than automating technology.” It’s important to consider the people who use the system first, then what processes could be improved, and then how technology can be used. For example, a system could be improved through providing new training exercises or through reorganizing a specific business unit. With the new version of 390H, students are learning about a more holistic approach towards analyzing systems.
In-class activities are centered around equipping students with popular tools used to improve systems across different kinds of organizations and industries. For example, students will be working with on-campus clients to improve departmental systems. At each stage of their quality process, students will participate in a quality toll gate, where they will present their current progress to the professor for feedback. This activity will help determine if the team is ready to move on to the next stage of quality. Many of the course’s concepts and learning outcomes are directly aligned with the American Society of Quality’s standards, so that students can reflect on their experiences and take what they have learned to pursue professional certifications in quality.
It’s only been three weeks into the semester, and the class is already off to a great start! Dr. Barber enjoys how engaging and smart the students are. He looks forward to seeing the AHA moments, where education meets enlightenment for the students as they learn the concepts by doing.
As the semester comes to a close, it’s time to congratulate everyone on their hard work they’ve accomplished. Whether it’s taking final exams, working on projects, or even participating in extracurricular activities, there is so much to be proud of! Some of the most hardworking students include our very own QUESTees, who have put in endless hours of work to complete projects for their clients. QUEST’s Designing Innovative Systems course (BMGT/ENES 390H) introduced projects with the Department of Defense (DoD) this semester, specifically the Navy and Air Force. With the DoD being such a large system, these projects challenged the students to understand complex problems, handle ambiguity, and push their creative boundaries.
I reached out to the course TA, Supriya Daddi (Cohort 40), to understand her perspective as an assistant for the updated course. I first asked her how the course is now structured and how they chose to allocate class time. “The class met once a week on Mondays, but each week, the students switched off with a client meeting the first hour and then had teamwork time or lecture time for the remaining period.” Daddi also mentioned that students were split into teams of 5-6 and about half of the class was working with the Navy, while the other half worked with the Air Force. As a TA for the course, Daddi found it very exciting to see the final presentations. “They showcased the tools they were able to use, and the clients were so impressed and engaged. It was truly a very rewarding experience overall!”
Cohort 41 students Shareen Ahmed and Jimmy Miller told me about their projects related to data management for the Navy. They conducted data analysis before designing a new process to make the Navy’s data system more efficient.
Overall, Ahmed enjoyed the process of using their analysis to develop a solution for their client and found it extremely rewarding. “It was definitely a lot of work and challenging at times. But, I think it really paid off, and I’m proud of our final presentation!”
Miller spoke about his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Navy. “Working with the Navy allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of one of the biggest, most important organizations in the country. Getting a behind the scenes view of their data management systems and AI applications was fascinating!”
Next, I heard from Parsa Sedghi (Cohort 41) who worked with the Air Force’s Program Office for Mission Support. Their team was tasked to optimize their service acquisition process and provide improvements for their client. Sedghi enjoyed his experience getting to learn about the federal government as well as implementing strategies he has learned in class. “We were able to apply methodologies such as Strategy Canvases and Monte Carlo simulations. I also gained a deeper understanding of the client’s needs as well as the many intricacies working with the federal government.”
I also got a chance to speak to some students that won awards for having especially outstanding presentations! Faith LeBrun (Cohort 41) spoke about an opportunity her team received from their client. “Our champion, Michele Wolfe, was incredibly supportive and committed to our team’s success. She provided invaluable insights and guidance throughout the project. As recognition for our efforts and being the winning Navy team, she has graciously offered us a tour of the Pentagon in January!” LeBrun is absolutely thrilled and honored by this opportunity to engage with the Navy and see the impact of their work.
Faith LeBrun, second from right, standing with her 390H team and their clients from the Navy
Regardless of which QUEST course you completed this semester, each and every one of us has definitely learned something valuable and worked extremely hard! QUEST wishes everyone a wonderful winter break and some much needed relaxation time. Until next semester, happy holidays!
In the spirit of continuous improvement, the BMGT190H/ENES190H curriculum was updated this semester to concentrate on a semester-long product redesign project, rather than two projects. These exciting changes allow students to do a deep dive in product development and even develop prototypes by the end of the semester.
QUEST alumnae Cat Ashley, a chemical engineering grad from Cohort 19, and Shannon Larson, a bioengineering grad from Cohort 25, are part of W.L. Gore’s UMD Campus Recruiting team which sponsored a $50 material stipend for each 190H team to fund their prototypes. About the recruiting team, Ashley said, “This team essentially works to develop strategies for engaging students, engaging departments at the university, and working with different student organizations.” Larson said that they continue to work with QUEST because “QUEST teaches skills that are helpful for your professional career. Skillsets like prototyping and design iteration are translatable skills for professionals.”
Cat Ashley, Cohort 19
While W.L. Gore usually participates in the QUEST networking event and guest lectures, Ashley said that this year, they wanted to explore different methods of engagement. Larson said that through the summer and beginning of the year, they communicated with QUEST’s assistant director, Jess Roffe, who worked with the rest of the Quality Guild (faculty and staff) to devise a new engagement strategy.
Dr. Fox Troilo, the 190H professor, said that a student directly contributed to the material stipend idea. Troilo said, “A student in class asked, ‘Will there be a budget for the project?’ I thought that’s a good question, so I brought it back to the Quality Guild and I was like, ‘Yeah, why not?’ It just so happened that at the same time, Gore was in conversations with Jess. And that’s how it came about.” On one reason why the material stipend was chosen, Larson said, “I don’t want lack of materials to be a roadblock for students’ innovation and learning experience. Physical prototyping and early R&D can be a good way to not just check your own ideas, but to better communicate the design vision to an audience.”
Dr. Troilo also spoke about the new prototyping lab visits in 190H this semester, led by Professor Joshua Cocker, a Cohort 27 QUEST alumnus and Keystone Instructor at UMD. According to Dr. Troilo, a goal for the new curriculum was to teach students to build physical prototypes. He said that he spoke with Professor Cocker over the summer on ways to engage students in prototyping. Troilo shared, “Josh said that he guessed students didn’t even know that these prototyping labs existed.” After gathering feedback from students, Troilo said that “most did not know that you could just for free, go into the sandbox and 3D print.” Troilo said these conversations led them to their solution of “taking [students] to the shops and hopefully dispelling the myths.”
Fox Troilo, BMGT190H/ENES190H Professor
When asked about student feedback on the curriculum changes, Troilo said, “I find that the students in the new class do seem to understand the material better and connect the material to learning objectives.” Some students in the class also provided their feedback on the class so far. Jessie Fang, a finance and information science student from Cohort 43, said “I think the work we’re doing is very hands-on. We are doing product redesign, which is really hands-on and collaborative. I’m gaining more than I expected out of QUEST already.” Anthony Nguyen, a computer science student from Cohort 43 said, “I think 190H is a class that provides a lot of design experience and data gathering and processing, which will help set up my skills for our consulting work in the other classes down the line.”
On further changes to the QUEST curriculum, Troilo said, “It’s funny because 190H is almost like my product redesign. You know, I got feedback and data. I did interviews. Now, I have put together what I think is a quality high-fidelity prototype, but right now, we’re in a testing phase.” On the next steps for curricular change, Troilo added, “We’ll continually get feedback from the students and have an open mind to how we can make every class better.” Troilo said, “We are in the service industry, and the students are our clients. We want to provide the best possible experience for all of you, coupling that with what we think will arm you to be the most competitive on the job market once you graduate.” Thanks to everyone for talking to us and for working to improve the QUEST curriculum!
In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, QUEST’s new 3-credit elective empowers students to tackle climate change through innovative solutions and multidisciplinary perspectives. I was able to speak with the professor and two students about how the class is going so far.
Chyanne Nader presenting a slide during one of her classes.
