Abstract
This column marks the end of my tenure as the JALA executive editor. Two years ago, when I was asked to replace Mark F. Russo, Ph.D., I was flattered yet apprehensive. Mark had done an excellent job over the previous four years, and his were big shoes to fill. Yet I knew that I was also very lucky. His tenure had left JALA a quality publication on a tremendous growth curve, primed to receive scientific publishing recognition and awards. Once I started actually working as the executive editor, my apprehensions faded quickly. Mark had left me an excellent example to follow.
Now, as I look back on my two years of shepherding JALA through its continued growth and development, I can look to some major accomplishments. We continued to invite excellent guest editors who created timely and focused special issues, including Programming Languages and Automation (February 2007), Mammalian Cell Culture Automation (June 2008), and Bionanotechnology (August 2008). We completed a very successful and revealing survey of JALA readers, and in the process helped solidify the importance of the ALA Member Center at the annual LabAutomation meetings. We increased readership, the editorial board, reviewer volunteer rolls, and visibility for the journal. JALA was also added to the Google Scholar, Compendex, Inspec, and SciFinder scientific and engineering indexes, thus extending our potential readership. And last, we have changed the layout of the cover to better highlight the volume and number of each issue. These are accomplishments I will look back on with fondness.
Douglas Gurevitch, M.S., P.E. Executive Editor University of California San Diego
Of course, I did none of this alone. In fact, I was quite lucky to have a small army backing me up in these endeavors, including the members of the JALA Editorial Board, reviewers, authors, Elsevier's journal staff, and last, but certainly not least, Nan Hallock, managing editor. Now, as part of JALA's continuing growth, ALA is embarking on changes that include the sunset of the title executive editor. Beginning next month, the title will change to editor-in-chief along with other strategic shifts in position responsibilities.
As this new generation of JALA leadership takes the helm, I look forward to continuing to contribute to JALA's dynamic growth as the premier publication for showcasing advancements in laboratory automation and technology. I will remain a member of the JALA Editorial Board, assist with manuscript reviews, and always be on the lookout for prospective authors. In this capacity, I look forward to working with all of you.
Sincerely,
