Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.
The recognition highlights scholars whose published work is most often cited by researchers worldwide, reflecting both sustained career contributions and recent scientific influence.
This year’s honorees are Dr. Mahmoud Elish, Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, Dr. Muhammad Rashid, Dr. Khaled Shaaban and Dr. Patrick Zhang. Kaushik, Rashid, Shaaban and Zhang were recognized for both their career-long research impact and their work during the most recent year evaluated, while Elish earned recognition for his career-long contributions.
“Citations measure the visibility and impact of research. This recognition shows that scientists around the world are building on our faculty’s work,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen, Florida Poly’s provost. “Having five faculty return to this list, each with a higher ranking than last year, speaks to the research momentum at a young university. And our students get to learn from, and work alongside, scholars who are shaping their fields.”
The researchers’ work spans nanoscience, electrical engineering, smart transportation, mining and metallurgy and artificial intelligence. All five honorees were also included on the previous year’s list and have improved their overall rankings.
Dr. Mahmoud Elish
Elish, a professor of computer science, specializes in the intersection of software engineering and artificial intelligence. His applied research focuses on using AI to improve software quality and security throughout the development process. Elish said he seeks to transform advances in intelligent systems into empirically validated practical opportunities for software engineering.
“I’m honored to be recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists for the third consecutive year,” Elish said. “Florida Poly’s applied, industry-focused approach makes it an ideal place to advance my research and to engage students in solving real-world challenges.”
Dr. Ajeet Kaushik
Kaushik, an associate professor of chemistry, ranks among the top researchers globally in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Kaushik’s work focuses on nanotechnology and electrochemical sensors. He recently collaborated with student researchers to develop a patented sensor that detects microplastics in water within minutes using just a drop of water.
“Research is a major component to our strategic planning,” Kaushik said, emphasizing the importance of undergraduate research assistants in furthering his work while developing their research skills. “I see a great future of research at Florida Poly.”
Dr. Muhammad Rashid
Rashid, a professor of electrical engineering and Florida Poly’s director of cybersecurity engineering opportunities, has maintained his presence on the elite list since its 2019 inception. The enduring recognition highlights a legacy that began nearly four decades ago. In 1988, Rashid authored the definitive textbook on power electronics, establishing the foundational academic blueprint for semiconductor switching devices and circuit configuration.
Rashid’s textbooks are widely used by universities around the world, and he has published more than 160 papers and edited or authored more than 33 books. He most recently expanded his authoritative “Power Electronics Handbook” into its 5th edition, targeting the frontier of cybersecurity in power electronics systems.
“I always like to learn,” Rashid said. “We are not born knowing everything; we have to learn it ourselves, and then my goal is to go back and share that knowledge with someone else.”
Dr. Khaled Shaaban
Shaaban, a professor of civil engineering, focuses on improving transportation safety, sustainability and mobility, with a goal of developing solutions that make transportation systems safer, smarter and more efficient. He is internationally recognized as a leading researcher in transportation engineering, with an extensive record of scholarly publications in prestigious international journals.
“Being recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists for six consecutive years is a great honor and a reflection of my continued dedication to research,” he said. “I look forward to continuing this work at Florida Polytechnic University while contributing to its growing research reputation.”
Dr. Patrick Zhang
Zhang, the senior director of research at the University’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR), is an internationally recognized expert on recovering rare earth elements (REEs) from industrial mining byproducts. His work advances the establishment of strong domestic supply chains for critical minerals vital to clean energy, consumer electronics and national defense.
“These materials, traditionally considered industrial wastes, contain substantial quantities of valuable critical minerals” Zhang said. “Through research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and collaborations with national laboratories, universities and industry partners, we are developing innovative technologies to recover these minerals while converting waste materials into useful products.”
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