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Dominique Magero

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a Ugandan student with a passion for using STEM to solve real world problems. My fascination for engineering comes from years spent playing Minecraft where I spent hours building structures and learning how to make them more efficient using trial and error which shaped my persistence, problem solving skills and critical thinking ability. I studied computer science in high school, where I built a foundation in problem solving and technical thinking. I developed these skills through a software engineering fellowship at Headstarter AI, where I worked on multiple projects focused on solving real world problems. While my background is in computer science, my growing interest in infrastructure and sustainable development has led me to study civil engineering. I have shown leadership and initiative in my community by serving as president of non profit organisation Black Girl Code UG, where I made learning accessible and engaging by introducing tools such as Scratch and Google Grasshopper. I am greatly motivated by the challenges facing infrastructure in Uganda, particularly the cycle of rebuilding caused by poor planning and short term solutions and I hope to go back to Uganda and design sustainable infrastructure that improve access to clean water, reduce flooding, and support long term health and educational development as well as advocate for better planning and policies that prevent more infrastructural issues from arising. I am committed to using my skills to make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.

Education

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Civil Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

    • Columbia University in the City of New York
  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Civil Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Civil Engineering
    • Dream career goals:

    • Student Assistant

      Hawaii Space Grant Consortium
      2026 – Present8 months

    Sports

    Boxing

    Club
    2024 – 20251 year

    Football

    Junior Varsity
    2022 – 20242 years

    Research

    • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

      INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM — Student
      2023 – 2025

    Arts

    • University of Hawaii at Manoa

      Music
      2026 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Pro Bono Initiative — Volunteer
      2021 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship