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This editor profile is the third in a series which will introduce you to a selection of our editors.
This week we have an interview with Dr. Niamh Nic Daeid, Editor-in-Chief of Science & Justice.
What aspect of being an editor do you find most rewarding?
I think it’s helping people through the publication process. Our journal is pretty unusual in that it’s supported by a professional body. A lot of our authors are coming from practice, not research. Also, that our journal has a real and significant effect on practice, on how things are carried forward.
Can you describe how it feels when you come across a groundbreaking paper?
A lot of the work we receive is related to specific issues and problems related to real casework, like contamination problems with DNA for example. You’re constantly trying to provide refinement of a technique. We do get the groundbreaking papers but ours is much more a problem solving, professional development journal.
What advice would you give to a new editor?
I’ve been in this role for three years and it is very important to have extensive contacts for peer review. You need to know who in the field can help you. I am fortunate in that we’re plugged into a large European network for forensic scientists. You can’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve found the people at Elsevier to be extremely helpful.
How do you balance your role as editor with your other roles?
I am very, very good at time management. I block out specific times for Science and Justice. In general terms, setting realistic deadlines and managing to them with a bit of wiggle room is the essence of how my time management process works. It’s important to have an understanding and awareness of how your work impacts others so you can manage these deadlines.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
That’s an interesting question. My parents were forensic scientists. They were both involved in fire scene investigation – going to the scene and looking at the cause and origin of a fire. It became a dinner topic conversation. I initially worked in environmental chemistry but eventually ended up in forensic science.
Why did you choose forensic science as your field of study?
It’s very multi-disciplined, you need an understanding of a bit of physics, chemistry, electricity, biology, building design, etc. I do case work in fire investigation and in drug analysis. It can be a very challenging job particularly on the interpretation side but it’s very rewarding.
Tell me about collaboration. What is the secret to success?
It’s got to be communication. Whether you’re collaborating on a case or in research, the secret is picking the right partners to work with and being able to communicate in a frank and open way so everyone knows what’s required of them.
What gets you up in the morning?
I enjoy the job. It’s very challenging. I enjoy teaching my students, watching them learn. At first, the concepts can be difficult and abstract and it’s rewarding to be a catalyst to the students grasping the concepts and developing their own understanding of forensic science work. I very much enjoy working with practitioners and we do a lot of that kind of training.
What keeps you awake at night?
Lots of things actually. Sometimes it’s a difficult case or the process of going into court to give expert testimony can be difficult. Worrying about my PhD students when they’re about to go into their oral examinations. You keep your fingers crossed that they’ll do themselves justice.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My mother. She’s a botanist by training. She achieved this in the 1970’s in Ireland. She has her own fire investigation company and she’s exceptionally good at her job. She’s always there and willing to give help and advice.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I’d like to have developed my profession in a way that has moved it a step forward. To have been someone who has made a contribution that is useful.
What do you like to do for fun?
I read a lot and I like to go walking in the Scottish hills when I can. At the moment I’m learning to play the saxophone. I’m at the point where I can play a scale. Next I’m going to try to learn to surf.
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