Missouri S&T Researchers Rank Among World's Most Cited Scholars
"To be recognized as a Highly Ranked Scholar, researchers must rank in the top 0.05% worldwide in their specialty areas, which means essentially only one out of every 2,000 authors would qualify," says Dr. Kamal Khayat, S&T's vice chancellor for research and innovation and the world's No. 2 most-cited rheology researcher for the past five years. This remarkable achievement highlights the exceptional talent cultivated at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where multiple faculty members have earned places on the 2025 Highly Ranked Scholars list developed by ScholarGPS. The recognition places these individuals among the most influential minds in their respective fields, either for their lifetime contributions or for research conducted over the past five years. Behind each ranking lies a personal journey of dedication, innovation, and academic excellence that collectively elevates Missouri S&T's reputation on the global stage.
Leading Minds in Their Fields
Dr. Sajal Das, S&T's Daniel St. Clair Endowed Chair and a Curators' Distinguished Professor of computer science, stands out prominently on the list as "the most cited researcher in the world for mobile computing and as one of the top scholars in five other computer science specialty areas," according to NEWS. His influence extends beyond a single specialty, with lifetime rankings that include "No. 7 in wireless sensor network, No. 25 in distributed computing, No. 27 in sensor, No. 29 in wireless and No. 57 in environment (systems)," as reported by NEWS. This breadth of impact across multiple computer science disciplines demonstrates Das's versatility and comprehensive contributions to technological advancement.
Another standout researcher, Dr. Shelley Minteer, serves as the director of the Kummer Institute Center for Resource Sustainability and holds the Dr. Ken Robertson Memorial Professor in Chemistry position. Minteer achieved global recognition as "No. 2 in the world for biofuel," according to NEWS. Her work in sustainable energy solutions represents a critical contribution to addressing global environmental challenges. Beyond her biofuel expertise, Minteer "was No. 124 lifetime for the enzyme specialty," NEWS reports, showing her multifaceted impact in chemistry and biochemistry.
The list of distinguished S&T scholars continues with Dr. Albert E. Ruehli, an adjunct professor of electrical and computer engineering by courtesy appointment, who was recognized as "the best in the world for equivalent circuits," according to NEWS. This top ranking demonstrates the depth of specialized expertise present within the university's faculty. Additionally, Dr. Mohamed Rahaman, professor emeritus of materials science and engineering, earned recognition as "No. 3 for sintering," with "other rankings for Rahaman including No. 18 lifetime for ceramic and No. 34 for scaffolding," as NEWS reports. These achievements showcase the breadth of materials science excellence at Missouri S&T.
Historical Excellence and Continuing Legacy
The university's tradition of research excellence extends back through its history, as evidenced by the recognition of Dr. Martin E. Straumanis, a former research professor of metallurgical engineering, who was ranked "No. 1 for lattice constants," according to NEWS. This posthumous recognition demonstrates the enduring impact of S&T's academic contributions and the lasting legacy of its faculty members. Dr. Khayat himself, beyond his administrative role as vice chancellor for research and innovation, maintains an active research presence with impressive rankings: "No. 15 lifetime in building material and No. 32 for the past five years and No. 96 lifetime for composite material," NEWS reports.
This concentration of highly cited researchers creates an environment where excellence breeds further excellence. The university continues to build on this foundation through initiatives like the Kummer Institute Center for Resource Sustainability, which Minteer directs. In January 2026, the institution's leadership capabilities were further strengthened when "Gary Forsee, a 1972 civil engineering graduate of Missouri S&T, joined the Kummer Missouri S&T Foundation Board on Jan. 29," according to Missouri S&T. This addition of accomplished alumni to leadership positions helps ensure the university's research trajectory remains strong.
Beyond Citations: Real-World Impact
The impact of Missouri S&T's research extends far beyond academic citations into practical applications that address real-world challenges. For example, "A Missouri S&T research team has been awarded $450,000 from the Missouri Department of Transportation for a two-year study evaluating new materials for treating roadways during winter weather that could reduce or replace traditional salt-based treatments," Missouri S&T reports. This project exemplifies how the institution's research expertise translates into solutions for everyday problems facing communities across the state and beyond.
The university's commitment to excellence extends to recognizing achievement across its community. In fall 2025, "Missouri S&T's College of Engineering and Computing held its fall 2025 awards ceremony, and several staff and faculty members were presented with honors," according to Missouri S&T. This culture of recognition helps foster continued innovation and dedication among the institution's academic community. Similarly, the university celebrates the accomplishments of its graduates, as when "Missouri University of Science and Technology presented the Award of Professional Distinction to S&T alumnus Dale A. Kyser of Morton Grove, Illinois, during the afternoon commencement ceremony at Missouri S&T, which was held Saturday, Dec. 20," Missouri S&T reports.
Cultivating Future Excellence
Missouri S&T's commitment to developing the next generation of researchers is evident in its approach to graduate education. During the university's graduate commencement ceremony in December 2025, "Dr. Steven Jung, chief commercial officer at Rolla, Missouri, based specialty glass manufacturer MO-SCI Corp., shared four keys to career success with master's degree and Ph.D. graduates," according to Missouri S&T. This connection between industry professionals and academic programs helps prepare students to make their own contributions to their fields. Similarly, "Dr. Gregory M. Polites, executive vice dean and interim head of biomedical and translational sciences for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shared advice with graduates during two commencement ceremonies at Missouri University of Science and Technology," Missouri S&T reports, further demonstrating the institution's focus on preparing graduates for impactful careers.
The university also recognizes that excellence extends beyond pure scientific research into other domains. In January 2026, Missouri S&T announced that "Okorie 'OkCello' Johnson, an Atlanta-based cellist, composer and storyteller, will bring his unique style of performance to the Leach Theatre stage next month as part of the Missouri University of Science and Technology Campus Performing Arts Series," according to Missouri S&T. This holistic approach to education and campus life creates an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish across disciplines. The institution's commitment to broader societal engagement was further recognized when "Missouri S&T was named a finalist for the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II Award of Excellence for community engagement efforts," Missouri S&T reports.
The scholarly contributions of Missouri S&T faculty extend into the humanities as well. In January 2026, "Dr. Ross Channing Reed, a lecturer in philosophy at Missouri S&T, released a new book that focuses on society and people's feelings of insecurity and precariousness. Precarity, Trauma, Addiction, and Love in Philosophical Counseling was released today (Thursday, Jan. 8) by Bloomsbury Publishing," according to Missouri S&T. This work demonstrates the breadth of intellectual inquiry taking place at the institution, spanning from highly technical scientific research to philosophical explorations of human experience.
The individual achievements of researchers like Das, Minteer, Khayat, Rahaman, and Ruehli collectively illustrate Missouri S&T's capacity to attract, develop, and support world-class talent across numerous disciplines. Their global recognition as being among the top 0.05% of scholars worldwide positions the institution as a hub for cutting-edge research with far-reaching implications for technology, sustainability, and society. As these researchers continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in their respective fields, their work enhances Missouri S&T's reputation while addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.