Georgia Southern faculty featured on prestigious top 2% of scientists list

Twelve outstanding active faculty members from Georgia Southern University were featured on Stanford and Elsevier’s 2025 list of the top 2% of scientists in the world. This annual list features scientists whose work has had the highest citation count and citation impact in their fields within a given year.

This year’s Georgia Southern honorees represent a diverse range of disciplines, from physics and chemistry to epidemiology and business. Ten of the 12 faculty members were also featured on last year’s list. 

Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D, P.G., is among them and takes pride in seeing so many familiar names, and a couple of new ones, included. 

“Seeing names from so many different disciplines, both old and new, speaks volumes about our growth and consistency,” said Weindorf. “I’m so thankful for these faculty who relentlessly pursue excellence and truly embody growing ourselves to grow others in research.”

The complete list of Georgia Southern faculty featured includes the following:

Xiao-jun Wang, Ph.D., professor of physics, College of Science and Mathematics

“My work centers on creating advanced luminescent materials for energy-efficient lighting and sensing technologies,” Wang explained. “What drives me is the excitement of uncovering how materials behave — and finding logical, scientific explanations for what we observe.” He added that he has always loved Albert Einstein’s quote, “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible.” Read more about Wang’s research. 

Arda Yenipazarli, Ph.D., professor of operations management, Parker College of Business

“I’ve always been drawn to complex, high-stakes corporate scenarios where decisions leave lasting societal and environmental footprints,” said Yenipazarli. “My research helps firms make more strategic, profitable and responsible choices about their supply chains and operations–in environments defined by volatility, competition, regulation and shifting market forces. I believe that thoughtful, analytically grounded research can empower better decisions and drive meaningful, lasting impact–for business, for society, and for the planet.” Read more about Yenipazarli’s research.

Allen Amason, Ph.D., professor of management, Parker College of Business

“I study the connections between strategy, strategic decision-making and organizational performance,” Amason explained. “I wanted to understand why some firms succeed where others do not. My motivation remains the same today as it was then — to help organizations and managers perform better.” Read more about Amason’s research.

Isaac Chun-Hai Fung, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

“It is my great privilege to work with a network of excellent students, colleagues and collaborators,” Fung said. “We study how to mitigate the impact of epidemics on human societies and harness the advances of digital technologies to promote health.” Read more about Fung’s research.

Lance Durden, Ph.D, professor emeritus of biology, College of Science and Mathematics

“I study ectoparasites (lice, fleas, ticks and parasitic mites) of humans and animals, including species of medical and veterinary importance and the pathogens they can transmit,” said Durden. “I have authored about 400 peer-reviewed publications, including eight books or monographs and 29 invited book chapters. I am currently working on the 4th edition of a widely used textbook in North America and Europe entitled Medical and Veterinary Entomology and am driven by a fascination with the natural world and a desire to improve human and animal health.” Read more about Durden’s research.

David C. Weindorf, Ph.D, P.G., vice president for research and economic development, College of Science and Mathematics

“I study and classify soils to better understand how we can use and protect them,” Weindorf said. “ My research is mostly centered on applications for proximal and remote sensors for soil characterization; I’ve been involved in everything from taxonomic soil classification to environmental soil science and disaster response work, ensuring that soil is safe and healthy. What drives me is helping people help the land — because a healthy world starts with healthy soil.” Read more about Weindorf’s research.

José A. Jiménez, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical and materials chemistry, College of Science and Mathematics

“My research interests are mainly in glass science, nanomaterials, optical materials, thin films, and energy-relevant materials such as solar cells and Li-ion batteries”, Jiménez noted. “I’m passionate about learning through experimentation and gaining insights into the physical principles that explain material properties.” Read more about Jimenez’s Research.

Masoud Davari, Ph.D., interim associate dean for research and professor of electrical and computer engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

“I’m passionate about innovating power and energy systems,” Davari shared. “My research focuses on designing control methods based on artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning to enhance performance under challenging conditions and on developing resilient-by-design systems to strengthen cybersecurity. The National Science Foundation has continuously supported this research through multiple projects totaling nearly $1.2 million.” Read more about Davari’s research.

Haijun Gong, Ph.D., associate professor of manufacturing engineering, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

“My research focuses on 3D printing metals and high-performance polymers for lightweight design and optimization,” Gong said. “I’m passionate about advancing cost-effective additive manufacturing technologies and materials that drive the next generation of advanced manufacturing.” Read more about Gong’s research.

Dmitry Apanaskevich, Ph.D., professor of biology and entomology, College of Science and Mathematics

“My major research interest is the systematics of hard ticks (family Ixodidae),” Apanaskevich said. “This includes their taxonomy, phylogenetics, host-parasite relationships and geographic distribution. I love discovering new species and solving complex, often confusing questions along the way. That’s what drives my passion.” Read more about Apanaskevich’s research.

Bryan Riemann, Ph.D., professor of sports medicine, Waters College of Health Professions

“My research examines how biomechanical and neuromuscular factors shape human movement, with the goal of improving performance and developing more effective approaches for injury prevention and rehabilitation,” Riemann explained. “This work spans diverse populations, including both trained and untrained, across the lifespan.” Read more about Riemann’s Research. 

The late James E. Keirans, Ph.D, former curator of the U.S. National Tick Collection at the Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology at Georgia Southern University

Keirans earned his doctorate in medical entomology in 1966 and devoted his career to the study of ectoparasites. He became one of the world’s foremost experts on tick biology and taxonomy. In 1990, he became curator of the U.S. National Tick Collection at the then newly formed Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology at Georgia Southern in Statesboro. He retired in 2005. Read more about Keirans here.