Kean Faculty Recognized Again Among World’s Top 2% of Scientists

Two Kean University faculty members were once again recognized among the top 2% of scientists in the world by Stanford/Elsevier in 2025 based on citations received during calendar year 2024, highlighting the University’s growing research prominence.

Professor Jennifer J. Chen, Ed.D., of the Department of Early Childhood Education, and Assistant Professor Supratik Kar, Ph.D., of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, were among the researchers recognized globally. 

“This is outstanding recognition for Dr. Kar and Dr. Chen, who exemplify Kean’s rising research impact,” said Kean Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Birdsell, Ph.D. “Their achievement highlights the University’s growth as New Jersey’s first urban research university and its recognition as a newly designated R2 institution.”

Scientists from Stanford University, in collaboration with Elsevier, publish the list each year based on citations received in research areas covering 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields. More than 230,000 researchers were included in the list.

Chen, who has been recognized for a second consecutive year is focusing her latest research on artificial intelligence (AI) in early childhood education, especially its transformative and revolutionary impact at the intersection of child development, pedagogical practice, and policy frameworks on AI ethics.

“I am deeply honored that my research has been recognized again this year,” Chen said. “This recognition underscores the global impact of my work in advancing knowledge in early childhood education, particularly in contributing empirical insights and conceptual frameworks on the educational benefits of AI, its ethical challenges and responsive teaching practices across cultures. I remain inspired to push the frontiers of research and innovation, strengthening Kean’s reputation as an R2 institution dedicated to academic excellence.”

Kar has earned recognition on the list for the third consecutive year, and the fourth time in the past five years, underscoring his sustained contributions to medicinal, biomolecular and environmental chemistry. His research blends computer-aided drug design with machine learning and AI, accelerating the search for therapies against viral diseases such as Nipah and Zika. In parallel, his group also applies advanced modeling to predict the toxicity of environmental contaminants reducing animal experiments, helping to address pressing ecological challenges.

“This honor reflects the significance and quality of my work, and the incredible research environment Kean has fostered,” Kar said. “I am motivated to continue advancing the frontiers of research and finding solutions that address critical global health challenges.” 

In addition to Chen and Kar, six faculty members from Kean’s campus in China, Wenzhou-Kean University, were also recognized, further underscoring the strength of Kean’s global research enterprise.

The WKU faculty members include Hing Kai Chan, Ph.D., Andrea Gatto, Ph.D., and Abaid Ullah Zafar, Ph.D., from the College of Business and Public Management (CBPM); and Ali Bahadur, Ph.D., Puneet Rana, Ph.D., and Sin-Yeang Teow, Ph.D., from the College of Science, Mathematics and Technology.