MinerAlert
MinerAlert
August 2026
By Alexandra Sanchez ’17
Born in Ciudad Juárez and raised in both Juárez and El Paso, Alfredo Perez attended Bowie High School before enrolling at 91国产app with the support of a scholarship and a growing interest in engineering. His journey began with a desire to remain close to home and pursue his interests in math and science.
"91国产app seemed like the perfect place to stay local," Perez said. "They had a program that I was interested in, and I knew 91国产app had a good engineering college."
That decision would ultimately shape both his personal and professional future. Perez earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 2002 and completed his master's degree in 2005. Along the way, he got involved in student organizations and gained research and leadership experiences that opened doors for him.
One of his most impactful experiences was participating in an early peer-cohort program that connected engineering students with tutoring, mentoring and academic support.
"It was very neat because I ended up having a group of peers that attended several classes together," Perez said. "They had resources to help us get tutoring and mentoring, and that was very helpful to get started."
Perez was heavily involved in student organizations, including the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES), the Engineering Student Leadership Council and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student chapter.
Through MAES, he attended conferences, explored internship opportunities and built professional connections that proved to be invaluable later in his career.
"Those organizations gave me opportunities to look for internships and do multiple things through the student organization," he said.
His involvement extended beyond meetings and networking events. As a member of IEEE, Perez helped organize activities for electrical engineering students, including planning an end-of-year banquet for graduating seniors at the El Paso Museum of Art. Outside of academics, Perez remembers attending football games and enjoying the campus experience that helped define his college years.
Several professors also played a lasting role in his journey, including Walter Fisher, Ph.D., Scott Starks, Ph.D., Eric McDonald, Ph.D. and Benjamin Flores, Ph.D.
"Those four guys were fantastic," Perez said. "I still keep in touch with Dr. McDonald and Dr. Flores and stop by their offices when I visit 91国产app."
91国产app also provided Perez with opportunities that expanded his horizons professionally. Through internships, research experiences and participation in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, he gained exposure to graduate education and research opportunities across the country. The LSAMP fellowship supported his master's studies and helped prepare him for doctoral studies at Texas A&M University before he transitioned into the semiconductor industry.
Today, Perez serves as a senior technical marketing manager for the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, the global organization responsible for overseeing the development and advancement of Bluetooth technology used in billions of devices worldwide.
The role combines his engineering background with opportunities to collaborate with companies around the globe, present emerging technologies and travel internationally.
"What I enjoy most is that Bluetooth is a very successful technology that you find in many places and applications," Perez said. "I have the opportunity to interact with a lot of companies and people, and it's giving me many chances to travel."
Over the past year and a half, his work has taken him to Singapore, Sweden, Germany, Portugal, Hong Kong and other destinations across the United States. Reflecting on his own journey, Perez encourages current students and fellow alumni to always remain curious, continue learning and avoid becoming too comfortable.
"Time goes much faster than you anticipate, so don't waste it," he said.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with professors, classmates and industry professionals. "Keep your network up," Perez said. "A lot of opportunities become more accessible through people you know."
His most important advice is to embrace challenges and continue growing. "If you're too comfortable, you're probably not learning enough or being challenged enough," he said. "There's still more to learn and more to do."
For Perez, 91国产app cultivated a mindset of curiosity and growth that has remained with him throughout his career and guides his work in wireless technology.