Gonzalo Diaz Bautista
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Statement
I am a Fermilab postdoc working on the Mu2e experiment. However, my association with the laboratory dates from more than a decade ago, when I first came as a visitor Master’s student from Perú to work on the MINERvA experiment. That one-year visit was a life-changing experience that made me realize how much I had the desire to pursue a career in high-energy research as a member of a diverse collaboration. Since then, my professional path has been intimately close to Fermilab during my stages as a long-term visitor Ph.D. student previously and currently as a postdoc.
Besides working on research, during my years as a part of the Fermilab community, I was also involved in numerous outreach and volunteering events organized by the lab, like Ask-a-Scientist talks and tours for members of the surrounding neighborhoods to the lab. Simultaneously, I have been the leader of the Soccer League for many years. More recently, I was on the Hispanic-Latino Laboratory Resource Group board for the past year. And currently, I am the president of Young Mu2e, an organization for early career members of the collaboration.
Unfortunately, it is no surprise to anyone that Fermilab is going through turbulent times right now, producing feelings of uncertainty and uneasiness among all users. Despite this, I am confident that the lab will overcome those challenges and establish itself back as the leading facility for particle physics research in the United States. However, this effort can only be achieved with a collective commitment from all users, especially from the lab leadership.
From my experience as a member of the Fermilab community for several years and from what I have been able to share with other users, there is a general distress that our thoughts and concerns are not being listened to by the laboratory leadership. In that sense, my personal commitment should I become a UEC officer is to do my best to convey those thoughts and concerns, especially those coming from groups that have been historically overlooked like visiting students and postdocs, users who live in the Village, and early career members looking for their next professional stage.
I am committed to continuing the excellent job done by previous UEC officers and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the Fermilab community. That way, the laboratory will become an exemplary research facility again. Thank you for considering my nomination!