Introducing New Editorial Team Members for rOpenSci Software Peer Review
rOpenSci is expanding its editorial team for software peer review, a decision that underscores its dedication to maintaining high standards in the scientific software community. The addition of three notable editors will enhance the organization's capabilities in reviewing R packages, ensuring a robust support system for both package authors and reviewers.
Meet Ronny Hernández Mora
Ronny is pursuing a PhD at the University of Alberta, focusing on data analysis and remote sensing as a research software developer. He is currently concentrating on how perception-driven drone systems can enable effective detection and monitoring in real-world contexts.
Before diving into his doctorate, Ronny gained valuable experience as a data developer at ixpantia, where he created data tools and analytical applications for organizations across both Latin America and the U.S. In addition to his PhD research, he collaborates with Openscapes and is actively involved in open-source initiatives through mentorship, teaching, and collaborative projects.
Having discovered rOpenSci through a podcast episode, Ronny's engagement began in 2024 when he volunteered as a package reviewer. He appreciates the collaborative spirit of rOpenSci, emphasizing the importance of creating software that is understandable and subject to constructive feedback. He is excited about his new role in supporting authors and reviewers alike.
Introducing Joel H. Nitta
Joel is an associate professor at Chiba University in Japan, specializing in the evolution and ecology of ferns. His commitment to reproducible data analysis has led him to author several R packages, including canaper for spatial phylogenetic analysis and dwctaxon for managing taxonomic databases.
Joel also serves as the maintainer for rgnparser and restez, both part of the rOpenSci ecosystem. Beyond his academic duties, he's actively involved in the Bio“Pack”athon community and holds various roles within organizations that further botany and biological education.
Joel reflects on his personal journey with rOpenSci, highlighting the community's role in transitioning from a user to a developer of R packages. He underscores the support and camaraderie found in the rOpenSci community, which has significantly enriched his experience in data science and R programming.
Welcoming Nicholas Tierney
Nicholas (Nick) Tierney is a statistician, research software engineer, and freelance consultant with a PhD specializing in data analytics and R package development. His previous collaborations include work with Professor Nick Golding at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and a research fellowship at Monash University with Professor Dianne Cook. He is known for developing significant tools for exploratory data analysis, such as visdat and naniar.
Nick's journey with rOpenSci began at their first hackathon in San Francisco, where he was inspired by the innovative environment and community spirit. His R package experience with rOpenSci has profoundly shaped his approach to software review and development, and he expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization that has significantly influenced his career.
The Role of rOpenSci's Software Peer Review Program
rOpenSci facilitates a collaborative environment for reviewing scientific and statistical software, promoting transparent and constructive standards. The program is divided into distinct tracks for general research software packages and those specifically implementing statistical methods, reflecting the diverse needs of the community.
Editors like Ronny, Joel, and Nick play essential roles in this process, ensuring a thorough review that includes initial submission checks, reviewer coordination, and author guidance through to completion.
How to Get Involved
If you're contemplating submitting a package, explore these resources:
- rOpenSci Software Peer Review for comprehensive guidelines;
- Development and maintenance of rOpenSci Packages for package authors;
- Statistical Software Peer Review Guide for guidelines on statistical submissions;
- Explore public software review threads on GitHub to witness the peer review in action.
If you're interested in contributing as a reviewer, consider signing up through the rOpenSci Reviewer Sign-Up Form, where we’ll match you with suitable packages to review.
We warmly welcome Ronny, Joel, and Nick to the rOpenSci editorial team. Their diverse experiences and insights will undoubtedly enrich the peer review process and support the growth of quality scientific software.