Interview with Dr. Michaela Toderaș—Winner of the Processes Outstanding Reviewer Award
Name: Dr. Mihaela Toderaș
Affiliation: Mining Engineering, Surveying and Underground Constructions Department, Faculty of Mining, University of Petroșani, 332006 Petroșani, Romania
Research interests: mining operations; geomechanics; geotechnics; rock mechanics and rock rheology; underground mining constructions; mining risks; statistical and geostatistical applications in mining
The following is a short interview with Dr. Mihaela Toderaș:
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your field of research?
I am a full professor at the University of Petroșani, with an academic experience spanning 35 years. My fundamental research fields are rock mechanics and rock rheology, mining exploitation and underground mining constructions.
2. What key aspects do you typically focus on during the review process?
My review process emphasizes scientific rigor, originality, and clarity. I ensure that the research objectives are clearly defined, the methodology is reproducible, and the results logically support the conclusions. I also assess novelty, structure, and ethical integrity to guarantee that each paper makes a meaningful and credible contribution to the field.
3. In your opinion, what qualities are essential for a reviewer to possess?
An excellent reviewer must combine technical expertise with objectivity, integrity, and professionalism. Essential qualities include providing constructive, well-justified feedback in a respectful tone and adhering to deadlines to support the editorial process.
4. As an exceptional reviewer for MDPI, do you have any tips or experiences to share that could help other reviewers improve the quality of their reviews?
Focus on fundamental issues like methodology and how well conclusions are supported by results. Structure feedback clearly: begin with a summary of strengths, then provide detailed, section-by-section observations with justifications to help authors respond effectively.
5. Based on your experience reviewing manuscripts, what advice would you give to authors?
Authors should perform rigorous self-assessment before submission to ensure methodological transparency and narrative coherence. It’s also vital to respond point-by-point to reviewer comments and select a journal that closely matches the paper’s scope and contribution.
6. Processes is an open access journal, as you know, so what is your opinion of the open access model of publication?
Open access promotes the democratization of knowledge, enhancing visibility and accelerating the practical use of research findings. However, maintaining rigorous peer review is essential to safeguard quality. I believe open access represents the future of scientific publishing, aligning academic progress with the broader interests of society.