Reviewer Spotlight: Giannina Descalzi

The quality of eNeuro depends on the effort that is generously contributed by our reviewers, who lend their expertise and time helping to ensure we publish great science. This Reviewer Recognition series introduces the research of selected reviewers, as well as their strategies for approaching peer review of a paper. Dr. Giannina Descalzi is currently an associate professor at the University of Guelph. Descalzi’s research focuses on the intersection of pain and emotion.

“I love how reviewers consult with each other once their reviews are submitted. Discussions in science are critical, and I think eNeuro has created a way for discussions to enhance the research that is ultimately published.”

Giannina Descalzi, PhD

Tell us about your work. What research questions are you currently working on?  

I am currently working on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that promote chronic pain development and comorbid anxiodepressive disorders.

Any exciting recent findings in your work you want to share? 

One exciting recent finding is that there are sex differences in the way astrocytes and neurons communicate in the brain during the transition from acute to chronic pain.

How did you become interested in this line of research? 

I love science and I love helping people. Approximately 1.5 billion people globally suffer from chronic pain, so investigating the mechanisms involved in chronic pain seemed like a perfect fit for me.

What do you do when not in the lab?  

I love nature, especially camping and canoeing. I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and an immigrant from Peru.

“I approach a review with the sense of responsibility that we have an important role to play in ensuring the advancement of scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity.”

What advice would you share with new reviewers? 

Be kind. Constructive criticism is an excellent tool to help improve science, and it's easy to be too harsh in our word choices. There are people behind the data you are assessing and often students or other trainees who have invested a lot of their emotions in the work you are evaluating.

How do you approach a review? 

I approach a review with the sense of responsibility that we have an important role to play in ensuring the advancement of scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity. I also approach it with a strong reminder to myself of how I would like people to speak to me regarding perceived gaps in my research or alternative interpretations of my data.

What have you learned over the years that has made you an effective reviewer? 

It's important to read the references cited so that you can fully understand the context the manuscript is within.

What is your experience as a reviewer with eNeuro's consultation review process?

I love how reviewers consult with each other once their reviews are submitted. Discussions in science are critical, and I think eNeuro has created a way for discussions to enhance the research that is ultimately published.

Giannina Descalzi, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Ontario Veterinary College
University of Guelph

Learn more:

eNeuro offers authors the choice to receive double-blind review.  Additionally, the Reviewing Editor and two reviewers will consult to reach a consensus on the decision and to draft a synthesis of the reviewers' comments explaining the decision. These review syntheses are published alongside each accepted paper.  Learn more about eNeuro's Review Process.