CSC Young Professionals Spotlight - Erica Salazar

Name: Erica Salazar

Position: Young Professionals Member/ Former Young Professionals Chair

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

I've had the honor of serving as the CSC YP chair for the last three years. During this time, I met incredible YP representatives from across the global IEEE community, virtually showcased members within our own CSC community through Superconductivity Talks (a webinar series), and volunteered at international workshops and conferences. It's also crazy to think that many of these relationships and activities started during the challenging times of the pandemic!

None of this would have been possible without the amazing YP CSC committee that I established during my tenure. The committee is comprised of passionate individuals representing different global regions and superconductivity backgrounds and has been instrumental in the success of the many CSC YP events. (And look out for future committee member highlights posts on the CSC website!)

While my time as chair has been unforgettable, I am thrilled to introduce the two incredible members who will be stepping into the dual co-chair position: Sukanya Meher and Simon Chislett-McDonald. I am confident that they will lead YP CSC into an exciting future, and I cannot wait to see the amazing things they will achieve.

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

Meeting the amazing people that volunteer at conferences and workshops!  Their passion to spread the word of superconductivity to many generations is contagious!  Additionally, every person I meet during a volunteering event is a great networking opportunity for future career connections, work collaborations, or insider insights on up-and-coming applied superconductivity research.

What do you currently work on regarding Superconductivity?

I work at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. My work involves superconducting technology for fusion energy applications which include modelling work, quench detection technology, magnet testing, etc.

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

I chose an interesting sounding job (in the cool city of San Diego) that was very different than any type of work or internship I had during my undergrad time (I studied mechanical engineering and was mostly interested in jet engines or internal combustion engines). The job was at General Atomics where I worked on manufacturing the large Central Solenoid magnet for ITER.  It was an amazing experience right out of college!  I loved it so much I decided to leave after 5 years in order to get my phd in superconducting magnets for fusion!!

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

We have the power to push the boundaries! Young professionals are coming into industry with so many new skillsets (i.e. coding skills, AI, machine learning, virtual connections, parallel computing skills, etc.).  Newer technologies tend to have higher risk; but when you incorporate new skill sets, interdisciplinary tools, collaborations, and experiences, there are so many opportunities to find new solutions to reduce risk and open up an entirely new technology space in the field of superconductivity.

What are your favorite hobbies outside work?

I love hiking and playing ultimate frisbee!  However, my number one hobby as of last year has been playing with my new baby boy!!