Solar System Ambassadors
Sharalyn Castro
Sharalyn Castro is currently a student at the University of Washington, studying social sciences with an emphasis on culture and technology, shaped by her background in science and tech. She is passionate about blending culture, art, and STEM to create learning experiences that go beyond the telescope and connect science to everyday life and identity. As a child, Sharalyn spent time playing among the ruins of Ollantaytambo near Machu Picchu, where she learned about constellations and the natural world from both Indigenous community members and her teachers. These early experiences shaped her belief that science is not separate from culture, but deeply connected to how people understand their place in the universe. Through her work with nonprofit and community programs in Washington and California, Sharalyn has focused on making education welcoming, accessible, and culturally meaningful. She believes that when science is taught through creativity, storytelling, and community connection, it becomes something people can see themselves in. By creating spaces where curiosity and culture meet, she hopes to inspire families and young learners to explore the cosmos while also honoring their own lived experiences.