CSC Young Professionals Spotlight - Chirag Goel

Name: Chirag Goel

Position: CSC Young Professionals Committee Member

What do you do for the IEEE Council of Superconductivity (CSC) YP committee?

I joined the IEEE CSC Young Professionals (YP) Committee in 2024 and have since been an active contributor. As a Ph.D. student in Applied Superconductivity, becoming involved with the CSC YP Committee has been a tremendous opportunity to bridge my academic research with a broader professional network in the superconductivity community. Over the past year, I have played a key role in managing the Council’s social media presence, helping to expand outreach and visibility for CSC’s events, initiatives, and community highlights. Additionally, I volunteered at ASC 2024, where I contributed to the organization of the YP Networking Event and supported various committee activities throughout the conference.

Which aspect of the IEEE CSC do you find most beneficial to your career?

The most rewarding aspect of being involved with IEEE CSC has been the chance to connect with the superconductivity community on a deeper level. Through volunteering activities, I’ve connected with researchers from across academia, industry, national labs, and startups—learning not just about their work, but also their personal journeys in the field of superconductivity. Meeting pioneers and thought leaders in the field has been truly inspiring and has broadened my perspective as a young researcher. These interactions have not only deepened my understanding of the field but also opened doors to global opportunities and collaborations that are shaping my career path.

What do you currently work on regarding Superconductivity?

I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Houston under the guidance of Dr. Venkat Selvamanickam. My research focuses on developing long-length, high-performance REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide) superconducting tapes using the Advanced Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (A-MOCVD) method. These REBCO tapes are critical for a wide range of applications, spanning from high-temperature, low-field environments to low-temperature, high-field systems, aiming to support next-generation energy and magnet technologies. 

What ignited your interest in the field of superconductivity and your current area of focus?

My interest in superconductivity began during my M.S. degree at the University of Houston, when I took a course on Mechanical Behavior of Materials with Prof. Venkat Selvamanickam. Learning about his work in superconductivity sparked my curiosity, and I joined his lab as a research assistant in 2018. I became fascinated by REBCO tapes, their manufacturing process, and wide-ranging applications. This led me to pursue a Ph.D. in the Material Science under his mentorship. My current research focus is on the fabrication of long-length, high-performance REBCO tapes using the Advanced MOCVD method, aimed at enabling future superconducting technologies.

In your opinion, what role can YP play in making a significant impact on advancing the field of superconductivity?

The IEEE CSC Young Professionals (YP) community has immense potential to drive progress in superconductivity by connecting passionate individuals across academia, industry, and research labs on a global scale. YP serves as a vibrant platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and innovation—fostering a culture where early-career professionals can contribute fresh perspectives to long-standing challenges.
By encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and breaking down geographical and institutional barriers, YP can accelerate the development of impactful technologies and real-world applications in superconductivity. The collective energy and curiosity of young professionals are key to shaping the future of this field.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy exploring new places, listening to podcasts, and watching science documentaries.