“Building for Discovery: Strategic Plan for U.S. Particle Physics in the Global Context” is also known as the P5 (Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel) report. The culmination of years of effort, it presents a vision for the future of U.S. particle physics. The report presents a strategy for the future that enables discovery and maintains the U.S. position as a global leader through investments by the DOE Office of Science and the National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
Cooke helped with the public announcement of the report including layout of the publication, website construction, message points, and media strategy. He also reached out to the high energy physics community, particularly the younger members, to ensure that their voices were heard by the P5 panel by launching a Twitter feed and working on virtual town hall meetings to solicit feedback.
"The report was well received by the high energy physics community and generated interest among decision makers including the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,” said Cooke.
“Tools, Techniques, and Technology Connections of Particle Physics” showcases some of the key tools, techniques, and technologies that connect particle physics to other science disciplines, to industry, and to society as a whole. The report identifies potential opportunities for advancing scientific discovery and accelerating the pace of innovation by taking advantage of science and technology connections.
“My PhD and postdoc research were in the field of high energy physics. One of the things I enjoyed most during that time was discussing my research with visitors at Fermilab and pointing out the many ways that research in particle physics benefits society. In helping edit and gather reference information for this report, I learned much more about the two-way nature of the connections between particle physics, other science disciplines, and industry,” said Cooke. “I also developed new contacts with experts at the interface of particle physics, other science disciplines, and industry, and enjoyed the opportunity to hone my science communication skills.”