When Alyvia Briscoe graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2018, she left campus with far more than a diploma. She carried with her years of athletic dedication, strong academic foundations in math and science, and a growing confidence shaped by teachers, teammates, and family members who believed in her potential. Looking back, her high school experience laid nearly every brick in the foundation that would later support her success in college and her career as a structural engineer.
Much of Briscoe’s high school life revolved around athletics, where she spent countless hours practicing, competing, and traveling with teammates. She was a true multi-sport athlete, playing four years each of soccer, basketball, and softball. Those experiences gave her some of her most meaningful memories, especially the long bus rides that allowed teammates to bond and build friendships that extended beyond the field and court. Sports were where she learned discipline, time management, and the value of working toward a shared goal.
One of the most meaningful athletic experiences of her high school career came on the basketball court, where she had the unique opportunity to play under the guidance of her grandfather, longtime coach Bob Hopkins. Being coached by her grandfather allowed them to bond in a special way, blending family and sport in an experience she remains deeply grateful for. Basketball also taught her resilience. During her freshman and sophomore years, the team endured a rebuilding period, finishing seasons without a single win. When her grandfather returned to coaching after her sophomore year, the program transformed quickly. In his first year back, the team advanced to the playoffs, a dramatic turnaround that left a lasting impression on Briscoe and reinforced the idea that effort, leadership, and persistence can lead to real change.
Soccer also played a major role in her high school years. During her senior season in the fall of 2017, the team advanced to the state tournament. While the experience carried heartbreak, it remains one of Briscoe’s most vivid memories because of the pride she felt in her teammates and the way they competed at the highest level. Softball provided another milestone, with the team also reaching the state tournament during her time at Pahrump Valley.
In the classroom, Briscoe gravitated toward math and science, developing a particular love for chemistry and physics. She recalls projects like the pasta bridge assignment as highlights that combined creativity with problem-solving—early glimpses of the kind of thinking she would later use professionally. Teachers such as Mr. Paxton and Mr. Mason made a lasting impact on her academic confidence. Mr. Mason, in particular, played a pivotal role. His chemistry, physics, and Advanced Placement chemistry classes were engaging and hands-on, sparking Briscoe’s appreciation for science at a time when she admits she didn’t particularly enjoy school. Knowing that he had pursued engineering himself made the profession feel attainable, and his encouragement planted the idea that she could succeed in a demanding technical field.
Beyond sports and academics, Briscoe was also involved in student council for several years. While she describes it as challenging rather than easy, the experience helped her develop communication skills, leadership abilities, and the ability to manage a busy schedule—skills that would later prove invaluable in college and beyond.
After graduating high school, Briscoe enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno. She initially declared a major in chemical engineering, drawn by her interest in science and problem-solving. As she progressed through her coursework and explored what careers in chemical engineering actually looked like, she realized the field wasn’t aligned with how she envisioned her future. Rather than staying on a path that didn’t feel right, she made a thoughtful decision to change directions.
She switched her major to civil engineering, a move that felt far more natural. As a child, Briscoe had been fascinated by architecture, even though she didn’t yet understand the distinction between architects and structural engineers. Civil engineering offered the perfect intersection of creativity, math, and science, allowing her to design systems and structures that move from paper into the real world. She was also drawn to the versatility of the field, recognizing that civil engineering offered multiple career paths and long-term stability in an industry that is always evolving but never disappearing.
Briscoe completed her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in four years, then chose to continue her education by earning a master’s degree in structural engineering, also at UNR. Graduate school proved to be one of the most demanding periods of her life. While pursuing her master’s degree, she worked to support herself financially, balancing long hours of coursework, employment, and studying. Managing her time while still trying to grow personally and professionally was a constant challenge, but she credits her success to the support of her family and friends, both in Reno and back home.
One of the most formative moments of her college experience came through her first internship after her sophomore year. She worked for Madole Construction in Washoe Valley, a small company specializing in foundation repair. Entering the role with only foundational coursework behind her, she was immediately immersed in real-world construction. On her first day, she was handed a full set of plans and told to study them for hours without asking questions. The experience was overwhelming, but invaluable. That internship exposed her to structural concepts and construction practices that many engineers never see early in their careers. Working closely with structural engineers and seeing how designs translated into fieldwork solidified her decision to pursue structural engineering specifically.
After completing her master’s degree, Briscoe began her professional career as a structural engineer. She is currently employed with Linchpin Structural Engineering, working out of the company’s Reno office. With locations in both Truckee and Reno, the firm provides her with opportunities to work on meaningful projects while maintaining a strong emphasis on work-life balance. That balance is something Briscoe values deeply, especially in a profession where long hours are often the norm. While engineering can be demanding and projects sometimes linger in her thoughts after hours, she makes a conscious effort to leave work at work and prioritize time with friends, family, and personal interests.
One of the most significant milestones of her career to date came recently when she passed the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. While she still needs to complete four years of qualifying experience before becoming licensed in Nevada, passing the exam is widely regarded as the most challenging part of the process. Balancing full-time work with months of intense studying required discipline and sacrifice, but the accomplishment marked a major step forward. She plans to pursue licensure in California as well and, further down the road, hopes to open her own engineering firm once she has gained sufficient experience.
Briscoe credits her parents as her earliest and most influential role models. Watching them work hard, build careers they enjoyed, and persist through challenges shaped her outlook on both work and life. She also emphasizes that engineering is far more accessible than many people believe. In her experience, genuine effort, curiosity, and persistence matter more than being “naturally” gifted. She believes many people are capable of succeeding in engineering if they are willing to apply themselves and give it an honest try.
Outside of work, Briscoe remains deeply involved in both her professional and personal communities. She serves as the treasurer for the Young Members Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers in Northern Nevada, where she participates in community service projects, networking opportunities, and professional development events. She also values staying active and balanced outside of her career, enjoying rock climbing, spending time outdoors around Tahoe and Donner Lake, playing bass guitar, and attending concerts and music festivals that highlight Reno’s vibrant local music scene.
Ultimate frisbee has remained a particularly meaningful part of Briscoe’s life. She played competitively throughout college and continues to stay involved through city leagues and alumni events, including recent scrimmages with the university team. It was through the sport that she met her girlfriend, whom she has been dating for about a year. Sharing an active lifestyle and common interests has provided Briscoe with a strong sense of balance and support as she navigates the demands of a technical career, reinforcing the importance she places on relationships, community, and making time for life outside of work.
As she looks ahead, Briscoe remains open to wherever life may take her. While Reno holds her friendships, professional connections, and sense of community, she is willing to explore new opportunities as her career and personal life continue to evolve. From her early days as a multi-sport athlete at Pahrump Valley High School to her current role as a structural engineer, her journey reflects the power of curiosity, adaptability, and perseverance—proof that a strong foundation, once built, can support just about anything.
