Interview with Dr. Zhen Wei—Winner of the Batteries 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award

The Outstanding Reviewer Award is given annually to recognize reviewers who generously contribute their time to reviewing papers and display thoroughness, professionalism, and timeliness while doing so. The journal Batteries (ISSN: 2313-0105) is proud to present the winner of the Biomedicines 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award—Dr. Zhen Wei!

Short self-introduction:

Currently, I am a Research Assistant Professor under the supervision of Prof. Ling Fei in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It is an exciting position that allows me to delve deeply into my research interests and collaborate with talented individuals in our department.

I earned my Master’s of Science in materials science and engineering from the University of Central Florida in 2019, followed by my Ph.D. in materials science from the University of Alabama in 2023. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a strong passion for energy storage technologies, particularly focusing on batteries. Over the past six years, I have gained extensive experience working with various nanomaterials, specifically in the realm of metal–sulfur batteries. This has not only broadened my technical skills but has also fueled my curiosity to explore innovative solutions for energy challenges.

I am proud to share that I have published 22 peer-reviewed articles in the energy storage field, with 5 of those as the first author. Recently, I had the opportunity to present my research at the PRiME 2024 ECS meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was an incredible experience to connect with fellow researchers and exchange ideas that can drive our field forward.

The following is a short interview with Dr. Zhen Wei:

1. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

Climate change and the environment will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years.

• Climate change mitigation: Researchers will focus on developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change;
• Renewable energy: Research will explore new technologies for harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power;
• Environmental pollutants: Studies will investigate the health effects of various environmental pollutants and develop strategies to reduce their impact.

2. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?

In my opinion there are two major benefits of open access model of publishing:

• Increased accessibility and visibility:

Open access removes the barriers of cost and subscription fees, making research freely available to anyone, regardless of their location or affiliation. This wider access leads to greater visibility, as more people can find and read the research; 

• Higher citation rates:

Studies have shown that open access articles tend to receive more citations than articles behind paywalls. This is likely due to increased accessibility and the fact that researchers are more likely to cite work that is easily accessible and readily available. 

3. Which qualities do you think reviewers need? Do you have anything to say to other reviewers?

Every reviewer needs the following qualities:

• Expertise and knowledge
  • Subject matter expertise: Reviewers should have a strong understanding of the field and the specific topic they are reviewing.
  • Analytical skills: They need to be able to critically evaluate the work, identify strengths and weaknesses, and understand the broader context.
• Objectivity and fairness
  • Unbiased assessment: Reviewers should be impartial and make judgments based on the quality of the work, not personal biases or external factors.
• Constructive feedback

They should provide feedback that is helpful and focused on improvement, not personal attacks.

• Skepticism and critical thinking

Reviewers should be able to challenge assumptions, identify flaws, and consider alternative explanations.

4. What do you think are the main criteria that should be taken seriously in the process of reviewing manuscripts?

• Originality and significance:
  • Originality: Does the manuscript present new information or a novel perspective on an existing topic?
  • Significance: Is the research important and likely to advance the field or have practical implications? 
• Clarity:
  • Writing Quality: Is the manuscript well-written, grammatically correct, and free of errors?
  • Clarity: Is the language clear, concise, and easy to understand for the intended audience?
  • Logical Flow: Does the manuscript follow a logical structure and present information in a coherent manner? 
• Soundness of methodology:
  • Methodology: Is the methodology appropriate for the research question and adequately described?
  • Data analysis: Is the data analysis appropriate and rigorous? 
• Accuracy:
  • Accuracy: Are the findings accurate and supported by the data?

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?

• A genuine interest in your field of study is crucial for staying motivated and focused throughout your research journey; 
• Seek guidance from experienced researchers, including your supervisor, to gain valuable insights and support; 
• Develop critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative skills. These are essential for conducting high-quality research and advancing your career;
• Research often involves overcoming obstacles. View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow; 
• Actively engage with other researchers, attend conferences, and build relationships to expand your network and learn from others. 

6. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone to thank most?

I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to a few important people and organizations that have had a significant impact on my journey.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the journal for providing me with the incredible opportunity to serve as a reviewer. It has been an enriching experience that has not only allowed me to engage deeply with the latest research but has also helped me grow as a scholar. Reviewing manuscripts has broadened my perspective and honed my critical thinking skills, and I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me. This role has allowed me to contribute to our field in a meaningful way, and I look forward to continuing this collaboration.

I also want to express my gratitude to my parents. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been a constant source of strength for me. They have always believed in my potential and have instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. No matter the challenges I face, I know I can always count on their love and guidance. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being my biggest cheerleaders and for inspiring me to pursue my dreams with passion and determination.

Lastly, I would like to thank my girlfriend, who has been my rock during times of hardship. Life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges our way, and having someone as understanding and supportive as she is makes all the difference. Her comforting presence and wise words have helped me navigate through tough times, reminding me that it is okay to lean on someone when things get overwhelming. I am truly grateful for her love and support, which have been invaluable to me.