Hi, I'm Mike and have been a postdoc at University of Cincinnati since January. Having previously worked on LBNE, I have collaborated on DUNE since its formation and worked on the 35-ton prototype for the majority of my PhD. I have been a member and supporter of Young DUNE as a hugely important and integral part of the collaboration for many years (I even organized the Young DUNE social during the first DUNE meeting at everyone's favorite Napverille Irish pub!), and would value the opportunity to contribute further to the success of the group.
I am based at Fermilab, and have been for a lot of the past four years, so I am familiar with the lab and have worked with a large number of DUNE collaborators. As Spokesperson Liaison, I would be very happy to communicate with the spokespeople anything which is required, and would enjoy engaging with fellow young collaborators about things which matter to them and ensuring new members they know they have their voice heard. I would personally really like to see more people join as they become DUNE collaborators so we can form strong relationships and continue to build our community — I think we should consider making membership opt-out rather than opt-in to encourage participation. Young DUNE is the best platform for collaborators to feel a part of such a large experiment and remain engaged and, whilst we are doing a good job, by being clear on our identity (which I would summarize as social, networking and supporting) and maintaining our welcoming ethos, we can ensure we continue to be this as DUNE keeps growing.