Hannah Sierra-Alvarez

Hannah Sierra-Alvarez

Research Fellow, Station1
MD

Engineers!

Belinda Wadeson
Cindy Dehner
Kanika Singh
Debra Long
Anastasia Venable-Nappen
Monique Frize
Tejal Desai
Kim Wheeler
LaToya Eggleston
Shelley Stracener
Rebecca Stoner
Purevjargal Ochirdagva
Environment
Machines
Close Up
  • What I Do

    I am currently finishing up my degree in Mechanical Engineering. I recently completed my summer position as a Research Engineer Intern and worked on 3-D printing research. My work allows me to discover new information and teach others more about my findings.

  • Why Engineering?

    I chose engineering because I like to problem solve and understand how things work. I was never great at math but still wanted to work in the STEM industry. Even though engineering needs math, when you apply it to real life situations, it starts to make more sense. My school counselors thought that an industrial, people-based engineering job would be right for me, and I chose mechanical engineering from then on.

  • School Days

    I attend the University of Maryland, Baltimore County pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 

  • Best Part

    The best part of mechanical engineering is how diverse it is. You can work in different industries and create a truck, computer, or even a hairdryer! 

  • Challenges

    The strongest challenge I faced was feeling like I had no help. I am the first in my family to go to college and sometimes it is really hard to find the proper resources that could have helped me when I needed it most. My solution was to ask questions and talk to people who had already gone through what I was experiencing.

  • My Family

    I am the oldest sister to two sisters, and they are both in high school living at home with our mom and dad. 

  • Dreams and Goals

    I would love to get my Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering and work in the cosmetic engineering industry after graduation. I also hope to publish more research and incorporate sustainability into cosmetics.

  • Inspiration

    My guiding inspiration growing up were other Latina engineers I had seen speak up at my school events before I started college. My constant inspiration is my mom and younger sisters. 

  • Want to be an Engineer?

    If you want to be an engineer but feel like you wouldn't fit in, many other engineer girls have felt the exact same way - including myself. The trick is to find the engineering within the hobbies you do! 

  • Hobbies

    My main hobbies are makeup, haircare, and skincare. I love trying new foods and hanging out with friends. I also kayak, hike, and do yoga.

Biography
I have worked in the beauty and cosmetic industry since I was 15 for makeup, skincare, and haircare companies. My beauty-related job pushed me further in the engineering field. How are curling irons made? Who formulates the ingredients of your favorite body wash? Why are makeup brushes designed that way? Who made the bottle for lipstick? All those questions are solved by engineers! Many people told me that engineering 'wouldn't be a career for me' because I talked too much in school or had to attend tutoring for math. I even had a teacher tell me that I would 'only be able to get a job doing hair' because I was braiding a friend's hair during lunch break. Many people think engineering is only tools, trucks, math, and introverts. In my experience, it can be both that as well as girly things, makeup, design, and extroverts. Being an engineer is the most talkative I have ever been, and the things teacher had shamed me for actually make me a better engineer.
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Volunteer Opportunities
  • I am willing to be contacted by educators for possible speaking engagements in schools or in after school programs or summer camps.
  • I am willing to serve as a sponsor or coach for an engineering club or team.
  • I am willing to serve as science fair judge or other temporary volunteer at a local school.
  • I am willing to be interviewed by interested students via email.