Alarcón's research focuses on creating telematic improvisations using Deep Listening, and interfaces for relational listening. Her most recognized works are the interactive sound space Sounding Underground (IOCT-DMU, The Leverhulme Trust Fellowship 2007-2009), the series of telematic sound performances Networked Migrations (CRiSAP - UAL, 2011-2017), and INTIMAL: Interfaces for Listening Relational (RITMO-UiO, 2017-2019, Marie Skłodowska Curie Individual Fellowship).

Ximena is a certified Deep Listening tutor and has taught the practice in Colombia, India, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and the UK. She is currently a tutor in the online Deep Listening certification program offered by the Center for Deep Listening (RPI), and works independently in the second phase of the INTIMAL project that involves: an »embodied« physical-virtual system for relational listening in telematic sonic performance; and a telematic creation space for migrant women.

​She has received prestigious research awards such as The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship (2007-2009), and the Marie Skłodowska Curie Individual Fellowship (2017-2019), and Honorary artistic mentions such as New Genre Prize for "Sounding Underground" at the International Association of Women in Music (IAWM) search for New Music Competition, USA, 2011; the Pamela Z innovation award at NIME Conference 2019, for »INTIMAL, Walking to sense place, Breathing to feel presence« research paper and project. Other artistic awards are Award for Circulation of Artists, by the Ministry of Culture, Colombia. 2017, for the project »Deep Listening: rituals for the Colombian post-conflict,« and the Honorary Mention for »Sounding Underground» at the International Festival of the Image, Manizales, Colombia, 2010.