Jalen Saldivar, an electrical engineering major at Stony Brook University, has been recognized as the URECA researcher of the month for July. Since joining Fang Luo's research group in May 2024, Saldivar has focused on power electronics within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His work includes participating in the 2024 Explorations in STEM summer research program, sponsored by PSEG.
As part of Luo’s High Voltage Laboratory packaging team, Saldivar works on building and testing converters using high-voltage SiC modules to enhance performance and reliability. This summer, he returns to the Explorations in STEM program to deepen his understanding of power module packaging. He will also serve as a teaching assistant, co-leading programming workshops and social activities. On August 1, he is scheduled to present a poster detailing his research on semiconductor packaging and testing electrical and thermal capacities at the Summer Symposium.
Saldivar offers advice to fellow undergraduates: “When you’re starting out, just as long as you’re learning, don’t worry if you’re not building anything new or discovering anything new,” he said. “It’s okay. At this point, you need to lay the groundwork for being an effective researcher. And you can do this by reading, but also by doing things hands-on. Just keep learning as you go.”
Looking ahead, Saldivar aims to pursue a career in research and development after completing graduate studies.
In addition to his research work, Saldivar is active in campus life. He participates in the SBU chapter of IEEE/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and competed in the Micromouse robotics competition. Furthermore, he contributes to the Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program as a tutor and advisory board member and assists with outreach panels for the Career Center’s “Conquer Your Research Journey” series.
For more insights into his journey and experiences, read the full interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan.