Editor-in-Chief

The ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering (JGGE) is a leading research journal for our profession and it is indeed an honor to accept the role of Editor-in-Chief (EIC). I would like to thank outgoing EIC Jonathan Stewart for the confidence he as shown in me to take on this responsibility and for his many years of service to the JGGE. I also thank the Technical Publications Committee and the Board of Governors of the ASCE Geo-Institute for their approval of my appointment and vote of confidence as well. Dr. Kenneth Fishman recently retired as Editor and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his long and excellent service to the JGGE. I would also like to welcome Iraj Noorany and Joseph Wartman as incoming Editors. I look forward to working with them along with continuing Editors Mo Gabr and Vaughan Griffiths and the many excellent Editorial Board Members (EBMs), reviewers, and authors who support the JGGE to make it one of the leading geotechnical journals worldwide.

The JGGE has prospered over the last three years under the very capable leadership of Jon Stewart. For example, the JGGE has the highest circulation of all geotechnical journals, the number of submissions and published manuscripts is rising, and the impact factor is also rising. Jon has worked hard to maintain high standards for the JGGE through quality oversight of the review process, selection of excellent candidates for Editor and EBM positions, and steady encouragement for the submission of practice-oriented manuscripts. Jon has also continued the transition to the Web-based Editorial Manager system, initiated by Past EIC Craig Benson, which has eased the burden of manuscript handling for Editors and EBMs and significantly reduced manuscript review times. I have learned a great deal from Jon over these last three years that I hope to apply during my term as EIC.

Looking ahead, I am interested to further enhance the international reputation of the JGGE as a leading publication venue for both the practicing and research geotechnical engineering communities. One issue that I would like to address, albeit not necessarily easy, is to reduce the variability of the quality of manuscript reviews and thereby raise the general rigor of the review process. This is the only way to improve the overall quality of the JGGE and must be achieved through vigilant oversight and the appointment of dedicated EBMs and reviewers. Along these lines, my priorities are to initiate a periodic conference call with the EBMs to answer questions and assist them with their responsibilities, initiate a Reviewer Recognition Program based on quality and timeliness of reviews, remove reviewers from our contact list who have not performed up to expectations, and encourage talented individuals who were once involved with the JGGE to reengage in the editorial process as Editors or EBMs. I also plan to publish an annual “State of the Journal” editorial to inform the readership of the current status of the JGGE and any changes to the editorial board that have occurred during the preceding year.

I look forward to my term as Editor-in-Chief and welcome your comments and suggestions on ways in which we can improve our Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering.