At ISCRR, we appreciate our talented team members’ wonderful work by showcasing it. This month, we are putting the spotlight on Olivia Crivari, Research Support Officer. Olivia undertakes a range of high-quality research activities that play a critical role in supporting the delivery of ISCRR research and evaluation projects. As an early career researcher, she has valuable insights to share with those in similar positions. We interviewed her about her recent experience of submitting her research on vicarious trauma to a journal for publication.
1. Can you share your experience of the paper submission process—what was the most challenging and rewarding aspect for you?
“The paper submission process was quite smooth. I set out a lot of time to submit, so that I didn’t feel rushed or frazzled. I also prepared a lot before submission, so I had all my documents saved in a folder ready to be submitted. The most challenging part was to make sure all the author’s bios were approved in time, as everyone has so much on their plate. The most rewarding aspect was definitely pressing submit. It felt like a weight off my shoulders and I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face!”
2. How did you choose the journal for submission, and what advice would you give to someone submitting a paper for the first time?
“Up until the last week of revisions, I had planned to submit to a different journal. However, after reassessing my options, I discovered that the journal we ultimately chose was a much better fit for the paper’s scope. My advice would be to carefully review the aims and scope of potential journals to ensure they align with the message of your paper. Don’t be afraid to change and trust your gut.”
3. What role did mentorship or collaboration play in the development of your research and paper?
“Collaboration played a crucial role in developing my paper, which was based on my honours year and marked my first real experience with research. My success that year was largely due to the guidance of my two supervisors, Dr. Sarah Oxford and Dr. Janine McMillan. I also invited [ISCRR Senior Researcher] Carmen Schroder to contribute.”