About Me!

Hello! My name is Sharlene Alonso. I just earned my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering! While engineering is a big part of my journey, it is far from the only thing that defines who I am. Here are a few other things that shape me:

Hometown(s)

I grew up in Southern California, living in places such as Riverside, Irvine, and Mission Viejo. I attended a Catholic high school, Rancho Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS), where I built strong foundations in both academics and community.

Family

I come from a large, loving family who have supported me every step of the way. The family photo shown above doesn’t even capture everyone who has influenced my morals, values, and life goals. As a first-generation and eldest Mexican daughter, I strive to make my family proud and hope to care for them in the same way they have always cared for me.

Soccer

Soccer has been a huge part of my life. I played both club and high school soccer for over 10 years, primarily as a center midfielder, but I could shift to outside defense when needed. I still enjoy playing pickup games whenever I can, and the memories and lessons from the sport remain very close to my heart.

Video Games

I also love video games, especially multiplayer games like Minecraft, Valorant, and Roblox. Growing up watching my favorite gaming YouTubers inspired me to occasionally record my own gameplay—a creative outlet I still enjoy.

Colorado

Moving away from home to attend the University of Colorado Boulder pushed me to explore new environments and step outside my comfort zone. As a city girl, I’ve learned to appreciate the outdoors more through activities like hiking and skiing. Colorado also introduced me to incredible mentors and friends who have inspired my projects, goals, and personal growth.

Women in STEM

Lastly, I am a strong advocate for women in STEM. Navigating setbacks and obstacles as a minority in many spaces has shaped my resilience and purpose. I hope to inspire others to pursue what they are passionate about and to be a source of encouragement, because sometimes all someone needs is an advocate who believes in them, just as I once needed.