Canadian Science Publishing is pleased to welcome Dr. Melania Cristescu as the new Editor-in-Chief of Genome. Dr. Cristescu is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Ecological Genomics. Her research interests include: the nature and scale of recombination and mutation rate variation across genomes, the genetics of aquatic invasions, and speciation in ancient lakes. Her primary research organism is Daphnia.
Image: EEB Seminars Website
Q: How did you choose science as a career?
A: As a child I spent many summer vacations fishing with my father, examining aquatic habitats in the Danube Delta or exploring trails and caves of the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania. At about the same time, the documentaries of Jacques Cousteau, the French oceanographer and explorer had a strong influence on me. Later on, the books of the Romanian biologist and speleologist, Stefan Negrea, about the caves of the world and the biological treasures they hide influenced my decision to study biology. During graduate school, I had the chance to work with inspiring supervisors that helped me consolidate my career plan.
Q: What is your area of research?
A: I study ecological genetics and genomics. I am interested in speciation patterns in ancient lakes, the genetics of aquatic invasions, and mutation rates.
Q: What are some of the most exciting things happening in your field right now?
A: The genomics revolution has been very fulfilling to witness. Its applications touch many aspects of our lives.
Q: What are your hopes for the journal?
A: My goal is to support the journal on the long-term mission of covering broad areas of genetics. At the same time, I aim to encourage submissions that cover emerging genomics topics such as evolutionary genomics, ecological genomics, toxicogenomics, and population genomics. I would like to engage the editorial board as well as our reviewers in building reputation, impact, visibility, and quality.
Q: Do you have any advice for young researchers looking to publish their work?
A: I would advise young researchers that work on their first publications to be receptive to guidance and constructive criticism while maintaining ingenuity, broad vision and clarity. The goal is to rich the audience, to influence, inspire and transform. For this reason, the writing process is not a solitary endeavor. The audience remains in the perspective of the writer and the process becomes a journey and a deep dialog.
Q: How do you spend your free time when not in the Lab?
A: I like spending time with my children, skating, skiing, hiking, sampling ponds or simply listening to their stories.
