Student Interview: Haley Baker
Bio:
Haley Baker graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is currently studying for a Master of Professional Studies in Publishing at George Washington University, Cohort 18, and will graduate in May 2025. Haley has spent several years in customer service, administrative, accounting, and human resources roles in a variety of fields and she is currently working with the GW Journal of Ethics as the Team Lead for the Strategy and Sustainability committee. In addition to being a voracious reader, Haley loves to share her book opinions with anyone who will listen and currently hosts an Instagram book review account, @haleys.book.club.
What does ethics in publishing mean to you?
Publishing is in a unique position to better humanity, and the industry has been working toward this lofty goal for generations. Historically, there are many areas where publishing has not lived up to that ideal and continues to this day to fall short. This journal is a unique and powerful tool to work toward solutions, and I want to be part of those solutions. I want to build up the parts of the industry that need boosting and complement the aspects that are already accomplishing this. The opportunity to work on the journal provides me with direct access to this goal.
What recent ethical topics in publishing are you interested in and why?
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about AI. It is fascinating to ponder the new frontiers that this tool will provide. It will be interesting to see how AI is ultimately regulated to prevent fraud. Also, it will be interesting to see how much of the hysteria surrounding AI ends up coming to fruition and what ends up just being hype. I am also interested in predatory publishing, specifically, the “publish or perish” landscape. I find it fascinating because, while it is a publishing issue, it crosses boundaries into many disciplines and affects a vast number of people. I would love to see the JEP tackle this.
How would you describe your experience with the journal?
My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The leadership has fostered an atmosphere of team building, collaboration, and learning. I came into the GW Master of Publishing program a year ago with no experience. It has been great to get some practical experience in the field while being encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
How has ethics in publishing influenced your job/career/profession? How has it influenced your education/learning?
Of course I want to be an ethical person in both my personal and professional lives, but sometimes a person doesn’t know what they don’t know. I would fall into the category of having the desire but not having encountered many ethical issues outside of my own little bubble. The study of ethical practices in publishing helps me be a more rounded individual in all areas.
Do you feel that the classes you have taken so far have discussed ethics enough?
It’s hard to define what qualifies as “enough.” However, after a year in the program, there hasn’t been a class that hasn’t touched on the ethical side of the subject matter. There is always discussion about how to be ethical and how to approach each area through the lens of ethical behavior.
What is something you would like to see the journal do in the future?
I would like to see the journal lean into curating the conversation around ethics in publishing. I would like to see the staff brainstorm areas based on current issues and then request material on those topics. The general call for papers is great and can lead to vital contributions to the conversation, but we really could be on the cutting edge of this area with some planning and forethought.