LU professors, alumni recognized in Stanford-Elsevier World's Top 2% of Scientists list

Several Lamar University faculty members have been named among the world's most-cited scientists in the latest edition of the World's Top 2% of Scientists List, released by Stanford University and Elsevier. The list, now in its seventh edition, recognizes researchers whose work has had significant global impact based on citations across their careers and during the past year.

In the career-long impact category, the following Lamar University faculty were recognized:

• Dr. David L. Cocke (retired, Chemical Engineering)
• Dr. Che-Jen Lin (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
• Dr. Xuejun Fan (Mechanical Engineering)
• Dr. Suying Wei (Chemistry)
• Dr. Carl L. Yaws (retired, Chemical Engineering)
• Dr. Abdelnasser Eldek (Electrical Engineering)
• Dr. Gene L. Theodori (Sociology)

Additionally, former Lamar student Dr. Marjan Goodarzi, who studied Mechanical Engineering, was also included on the career-long list, though she is no longer affiliated with the university.

For the 2023 single-year impact, two Lamar professors were highlighted:

• Dr. David L. Cocke (retired, Chemical Engineering)
• Dr. Xuejun Fan (Mechanical Engineering)

Goodarzi also made the single-year impact list for her citations during 2023.

"These Lamar University faculty members are listed among the top 2% globally of the most-cited scientists in their fields. Inclusion on this prestigious list is a testament to the scope and impact of their scholarly and creative pursuits," honoree and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Gene L. Theodori said. "I am proud to see Lamar University researchers represented in this influential ranking."

The annual list is compiled based on a comprehensive database of scientists ranked by their impact on their respective fields, including citation counts and h-index, a measure of research quality and productivity.

This recognition reflects Lamar University's growing reputation for research excellence across diverse disciplines, particularly in engineering and the sciences. Faculty members included on the list have contributed to a wide range of research areas, from civil and environmental engineering to chemistry and sociology.