Meet Cal-Berkeley's CAROLINE JOHNSON STEAM Sports Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Personal Profile

Name: Caroline Johnson

College: University of California, Berkeley

Hometown: Davis, California

Major: Chemical Engineering; minor in mechanical engineering and business management

Aspirational Car: 1967 Ford Mustang

10-Year Prediction in auto/motorsports: I believe the automotive industry stands on the cusp of a paradigm shift driven by sustainability and autonomous technology. In our daily life, autonomous vehicles offer new transportation options for those unable to operate traditional vehicles. There is a likelihood that autonomous vehicles will have a substantial impact in the motorsports communities as well not only to test the limits of what is capable but by adding new, advanced features to elevate what is currently possible.

What You May Not Know About Me: I love learning new skills! Some include balloon animals, juggling, baking sourdough and cakes, and spinning a book on my finger.

How did you get so interested in the auto/motorsports industry?

As a kid, I grew up solving puzzles and challenges daily. Whether it was sudoku, tackling a brain teaser from my parents, or working through math problems, I learned early on to always question everything in pursuit of an answer. As I got older, those simple word problems evolved into textbooks, and I sought after a space where I could dedicate countless days to unraveling intricate challenges; and what’s better than engineering a whole car!? I found an incredible opportunity on my university’s FSAE EV team, where I began as a vehicle dynamics engineer, progressed to manufacturing lead, and ultimately became the team’s first-ever female chief mechanical engineer. Even though my path to the automotive industry began with simple puzzles, I found a place where complex problems can break down into the simple ones I did as a kid, and driven by innovation and precision can become so much more.

What automotive aspect interests you the most?

It is truly incredible to see just how many people work tirelessly behind the scenes to design, build, test, and race a vehicle. Being part of a team of so many like-minded individuals, who come together and work toward a common goal while each brings their own unique talents, is a fascinating sight. What makes this even more special is that these same people are some of the most driven, creative, and honestly craziest I’ve ever met. As a group we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive industry. I love that someone can propose an idea that sounds wild at first, and instead of being dismissed, they’re met with genuine curiosity and support from a team that believes it might actually work. You don’t see that kind of collaborative innovation anywhere else, especially at a scale as impactful as the automotive world.

How do you approach the challenges of being a minority engineering student in what has been traditionally a non-minority career path?

I remember the first FSAE competition I went to. I was one of two women out of almost 40 representing my team. Even though it was just the two of us, I found so much trust in her as she had been familiar with these people and helped guide me through the experience. She became someone who I knew I could go to, and as I got older, I strived to be that person for others. No matter who you are or the field you are pursuing, finding a mentor is incredibly important to help navigate the challenges of a new space. I’ve learned that asking for help is never a sign of weakness but rather a place of passion and pursuit, and I always encourage others to reach out instead of fighting a battle alone.

What would you like your first job/career opportunity to be?

I’m currently working in the EV automotive industry under a co-op program at Tesla! It has been an amazing learning experience so far, and I am so grateful for all the people who have helped me on this journey; particularly my manager and mentors. Moving forward, I want to explore what it is like to be a process engineer or work on battery cells and become a part of the frontier in electric automotive technology.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I’ll be building and leading a team of engineers to solve the leading problem in automotive technologies. What's that problem you might ask? We’ll see in 10 years!

About STEAM Sports Foundation

Recognizing workforce and economic development as integral parts of corporate growth, STEAM Sports Foundation collaborates with companies, educators, and sports groups to develop initiatives around science, technology, engineering, arts, and math that impact the world of sports & entertainment. 



The foundation’s primary focus is on scholarships and career summits to help create tomorrow’s vibrant workforce. Its scholarship program in automotive/motorsports engineering for under-represented communities provides opportunities to a transportation industry that is ever-changing via innovation and technology with individuals who traditionally did not consider these career paths simply because they saw few who looked like them in the industry.

Donations can be made via PayPal. ACH transfers are available. Benevity registered.