Toxics | Interview with the Editorial Board Member—Prof. Dr. David A. Lawrence
We are pleased to share the following interview with Prof. Dr. David A. Lawrence, Editorial Board Member of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304).
Prof. Dr. David A. Lawrence is a professor of immunotoxicology at University at Albany, USA. The Lawrence Lab addresses the biochemical and molecular analysis of the human and murine immune-neuroendocrine network with specific emphasis on the mechanisms by which chemicals and drugs alter the structure/function of antigen-presenting cells and the T-lymphocyte subsets responsible for maintenance of the immune homeostasis (controlled cell-mediated and humoral (antibody-mediated) immune responses).
He is especially concerned with the influence of oxidative stress from environmental toxicants and pathogens as well as developmental aging stresses on immune responsiveness. Current funded research is focused on the immune mechanisms responsible for the developmental disorders such as autism and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
The following is an interview with Prof. Dr. David A. Lawrence:
1. What is the most satisfying discovery or achievement you have obtained in your laboratory?
On the personal side, every new amount of information is satisfying because it opens up more discoveries needed, which keeps my mind more active (an important physiological activity for an aging person). From a more scientific vantage point, I would say that the connections of oxidative stress on nerve and immune interactions have been important but specific molecular involvements are needed.
2. When you encountered repeated failed experiments and long-term bottlenecks in the early stages of your research, did you ever consider giving up scientific research? What kept you going?
The main bottleneck has been getting funding for the pursuit of new ideas. Even apparently failed experiments usually lead to the need to develop new approaches, or understanding what the result may be suggests new paths forward. The wonder of science is that every new discovery leads to many questions still unanswered.
3. How do you maintain a balance between research commitments and personal life?
That is a question probably better and more honestly answered by my wife. It is getting harder now with more physical health issues, but when I was younger, I always left time for an outside walk in the garden or a forest. When enjoying nature, including animals, the mind is refreshed and allows new thoughts to enter.
4. How has your experience working with Toxics been since you joined the Editorial Board? What is your primary expectation toward the journal’s future development?
We need to keep researching environmental stressors connected to physical and mental health. Lately this is especially true for psychological stress affecting health. We also need to make more scientists and the public aware of the numerous aspects of wars and climate change that are changing and impacting health.
5. As an academic editor, what aspects do you prioritize most when evaluating manuscripts? What advice would you give to authors preparing to submit their work to Toxics?
First, better understand what the new information is that you want the reader to concentrate upon. A good description of your results adds to what has been known and accepted by most scientists.
6. You are currently editing the Special Issue “Environmental Toxicants in Human Health: Oxidative Stress, Metabolism and Toxicity”. From your perspective as a Guest Editor, what potential value do you think this Special Issue can bring to research or clinical practice in your field?
My students consider me very anal about bringing up oxidative stress for many disorders, but I believe it is connected and we need to get more information about the specific molecules implicated. It is especially important to discuss the cell and molecular implications of aging and increased incidence of disorders. Dietary and physical activities need to be connected.
7. In your view, what are the essential components of a high-quality research paper? Is it primarily the result of groundbreaking research with substantial scientific merit, or does it hinge on well-conceived ideas and proficient writing?
Both are important. Great new results will not get much attention if they are presented poorly, and no matter how well a manuscript is written, if it doesn’t introduce a new idea, it will not attract attention.
8. What role do you think academic journals play in scientific communication?
All communication is important. At meetings, I have always learned more in discussions after a presentation than the presentation alone. In classes, I think students learn more about the topic by discussing the topic after class.
9. What does the future of your research field look like? In your opinion, what under-explored questions in modern immunotoxicology deserve more attention from researchers?
For example, the oxidative stress effects causing immunotoxicology, what specific molecules are involved, and how does the structure of these molecules change due to stress.
10. Finally, what is one piece of advice you would give to early career researchers?
Keep an open mind and listen carefully. If you disagree with a comment, ask yourself why.