Pawan Tyagi, a professor of mechanical engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), has been recognized by the World’s Top 2 Percent Scientists Network. The honor highlights researchers whose discoveries continue to shape their disciplines and inspire innovation across the scientific community.
The distinction stems from an independent study led by Stanford University researchers, in partnership with Elsevier’s ICSR Lab, which identifies the most influential scientists based on the reach and impact of their published work. It covers 22 broad disciplines and more than 170 specialized fields—making it one of the most respected measures of scholarly influence anywhere in the world.
“I’m deeply humbled to be included in this network,” Tyagi said. “I am deeply grateful to my collaborators, mentors and students, whose support continues to make this journey possible. Together, we are advancing UDC’s mission to grow as a hub of innovation and research excellence.”
SEAS Dean Devdas Shetty said the recognition reflects both Tyagi’s excellence and UDC’s growing research culture.
“Dr. Tyagi’s achievement is a point of pride for SEAS and for the entire university,” Shetty said. “His commitment to meaningful research and to mentoring students captures the spirit of UDC—one grounded in discovery, collaboration and academic excellence.”
Tyagi’s research explores how nanomaterials can be woven into sensors and devices that advance computing, biomedical technology, energy systems and modern manufacturing. Internationally, he’s known for pioneering work on tunnel junction-based molecular spintronics—an emerging field linking nanotechnology and quantum materials to power the next generation of electronics. At UDC, he founded and directs the Nanotechnology Application Laboratory, leading several federally funded projects such as the NSF-CREST Center for Nanotechnology Research and Education that put cutting-edge theory into practice. He has published more than 110 scholarly papers, 11 patents, and is widely admired by his students for his enthusiasm in the classroom.
He also created Student Presentation-Based Effective Teaching (SPET), a model that turns lectures into dynamic, student-led exchanges. The approach has proven especially effective for professors teaching advanced courses while balancing research and mentoring responsibilities. He also adopted Positive Intelligence training in engineering curriculum to help unleash the academic and intellectual potential in his students. He has published more than 10 publications in the area of students' learning and potential enhancement.
With more than two decades of experience in materials science, Tyagi’s path has included both academia and industry. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in metallurgical and materials engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, completed his doctorate at the University of Kentucky, and conducted postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University.
His recognition reflects not only his personal dedication to excellence but also the vision behind UDC’s strategic plan, and a commitment to foster innovation, expand research and empower students and faculty to create knowledge that changes lives and strengthens communities.