Maria Teresita Aquino

Commander Maria Teresita "Terry" Aquino was a Federation Starfleet nursing officer on active duty in the late 23rd and early 24th centuries.

Aquino entered Starfleet Academy at age 33, and completed all required coursework in two years because of her previous academic record. She graduated, at age 35 in 2290, with a class rank of 110th of 800. Dr. Aquino’s first posting was to Starbase 27 as a nursing officer, with the rank of lieutenant junior grade. She was on staff from 2290 to 2295.

Aquino served on the medical staff aboard Shadowstar Station from 2295 to 2311, eventually becoming chief nursing officer of the station's medical facilities. (Star Trek: Shadowstar Station: Pomp and Circumstantial Evidence)

In 2311, Aquino recognized that she wanted and needed more starship-based experience. She served on three science vessels over the next ten years. During this time, she was promoted to full commander.

Early life

Aquino was born in the Manila Metroplex, Philippines. She was the fourth of nine children, with three older sisters, two younger brothers, and three younger sisters. As of 2321, her parents and all of her siblings were still alive.

She received a doctorate in medical genetics from the University of Makropyrios at age 23, then became a part-time professor at Archer University in North America for the next ten years, while pursuing her own research at Starfleet Medical in Bethesda, Maryland.

She was divorced once, and widowed once. Aquino is a very private person and does not discuss these matters.

Background information

The given name of the character is derived from that of the author's mother, who died in 2020.