I am pleased to be able, from five years’ experience of working with her on the production staff of a scientific journal, Freshwater Reviews, to commend the competence and professionalism of Dr Karen J. Rouen. I was impressed immediately by her application to her work and her circumspection. She received submissions electronically and passed copies to me, as Honorary Editor. If, after refereeing and attention to such editorial amendments that I might request, and the paper was considered to be scientifically worthy of acceptance, Karen would prepare the scripts for publication. As the output was almost entirely web-based (we maintain a small print-run for larger libraries), Karen was responsible for the production of final, electronic copy of each successful contribution. She proved herself to be highly proficient and consistent in her copy-editing, correcting grammar and syntax, and applying meticulously editorial policy to citations, and rendition of references. Her layouts were pleasing and elegant. Final page-proofs were again checked before being approved by the author and editor. She would communicate with authors, by e-mail or, if necessary, by telephone. She was unfailingly polite and helpful but suitably firm on matters of policy.
Karen’s work and skills have been vital to the reputation of quality now associated with our Journal. I feel very proud to commend them to others.
Prof. Colin S. Reynolds MBE, CBiol., D.Sc., FRSB
Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Freshwater Biological Association
Editor, Freshwater Reviews (2007 to date)