Seven Texas State University faculty members have been named among the best scientists in the world by Research.com.
The 5th edition of Research.com’s annual report highlights leading researchers shaping the field through impactful studies and innovations. Its main goal is to raise awareness of top contributors and guide students, educators, institutions and policymakers in understanding key developments in various research disciplines.
Khalid Arar, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology, was listed among the Best Social Sciences and Humanities researchers.
Bill Brittain, Ph.D., a TSUS Regents’ Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, was listed among Best Chemistry researchers.
Robert A. Giacalone, Ph.D., serves as the Fields Chair in Ethics and Corporate Responsibility at the McCoy College of Business. He was included among the Best Business and Management researchers as well as Best Psychology researchers.
Alexander Kornienko, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, was listed among Best Chemistry researchers.
Togay Ozbakkaloglu, Ph.D., is a professor in the Ingram School of Engineering. He was included among the Best Materials Science researchers.
Edwin L. Piner, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Physics, was listed among the Best Materials Science researchers.
Megan L. Rogers, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. She was recognized with the 2026 Research.com Rising Star Award and included among the Best Psychology researchers.
Additionally, six retired TXST faculty were included among the top researchers for their lifetime contributions to their disciplines.
Gary Beall, Ph.D., retired professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, was listed among the Best Materials Science researchers.
Marcus Felson, Ph.D., distinguished professor emeritus in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, was listed among the Best Social Sciences and Humanities researchers.
Raymond Fisk, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Marketing and Honorary Professor of International Studies, was listed among the best Business and Management researchers.
Mark Holtz, Ph.D., a retired professor in the Department of Physics, was listed among the Best Materials Science researchers.
Micki Kacmar, Ph.D., former Fields Chair in Ethics and Corporate Responsibility at the McCoy College of Business, was listed among the Best Psychology researchers.
James P. LeSage, Ph.D., retired, former Fields Endowed Chair in Urban and Regional Economics, was listed among the best Economics and Finance researchers.
The 2026 edition of the report draws on an extensive analysis of more than 11,400 scientist profiles. Data was sourced from trusted bibliometric databases such as OpenAlex and CrossRef, along with other reliable sources, ensuring accuracy and broad coverage. Several performance indicators were used to evaluate each researcher’s contributions.
To qualify for the ranking, researchers had to meet strict criteria, including a minimum D-index of 30 in their field of research. Additional factors included the share of their work in the field, overall impact and recognitions. This rigorous process ensures that only top-performing researchers, roughly the top 1% globally, are featured, highlighting those who have made significant contributions toscience.
Visit Research.com for full 2026 world rankings.
See more Texas State University rankings and recognitions at www.txst.edu/about/rankings.