Dominick Montero (Q24) is a rising junior majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He was part of the notoriously tall BFGs (Big Friendly Giants) 190H team, and they definitely built a reputation for their similarly big friendly ideas and tailored presentations for the class projects this past semester. Outside of QUEST, Dominick is involved in Engineers Without Borders and conducts research with high-altitude payloads.

This summer, Dominick is studying abroad in Toulouse, France. As a student of the GEA Aerospace Summer Program, he has the unique opportunity to study alongside students from other universities including the University of Michigan, Syracuse University, University of Illinois, and University of Washington- Seattle.

1. As part of this summer program, what have you been learning about? Why did you decide to take courses through this program?

I am taking specialized aerospace courses in subjects like Structures, Combustion & Detonation and Propulsion. I chose to take this course because of the opportunities it presented in applying aerospace concepts. As a student, you normally don’t see much outside of the theoretical equations and models. In this program, there is a big focus on real-world applications and seeing them in action. For example, we’ve been given special tours by companies like Airbus and Dassault and learned about the design, production, and business aspects of each company. These classes complemented principles from QUEST classes, which is part of why I found it so interesting.

2. What has been your favorite experience while studying abroad thus far?

My favorite experience was in Barcelona when FC Barcelona won the Champion’s League. We celebrated with over a hundred thousand people – there were fireworks and flares and people chanting everywhere.

3. What is your fondest QUEST memory?

My fondest QUEST memories are all of our 190H team meetings. We were named the BFGs (Big Friendly Giants), and we really lived up to the name. My teammates are some of the best people that I’ve met at UMD.

4. What are you most looking forward to this upcoming school year?

I am looking forward to getting into detailed aerospace classes, and I think that this summer program has definitely given me a better understanding of what I want to do. I’m most excited to take 390H and mentor the spring 190H cohort; I’m looking forward to more QUEST experiences!