Sonia M. Tiquia-Arashiro, professor of microbiology, and Daniel E. Moerman, retired professor of behavioral sciences, have been recognized in the 2026 Stanford–Elsevier World's Top 2% Scientists ranking, which identifies researchers whose published work has made a significant impact in their respective fields. The recognition reflects the contributions of CASL scholars to scientific discovery and the advancement of knowledge across disciplines.
Dr. Sonia M. Tiquia-Arashiro, professor of microbiology in the Department of Natural Sciences, was recognized in the scientific subfields of Microbiology and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Daniel E. Moerman, a retired professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, was recognized in Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry.
Tiquia-Arashiro's research focuses on microorganisms and their roles in natural and engineered environments, including their contributions to nutrient cycling, waste management, bioremediation and environmental sustainability. Her work connects fundamental scientific discovery with practical approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
"Throughout my career, I have been committed to advancing our understanding of microorganisms and their roles in natural and engineered environments, particularly their contributions to nutrient cycling, waste management, bioremediation, and environmental sustainability," Tiquia-Arashiro said. "I am especially proud that my research has contributed both to fundamental scientific knowledge and to practical approaches for addressing environmental challenges."
Her recognition includes a ranking of 254 out of 68,664 researchers worldwide for career-long impact in Environmental Engineering, placing her in the top 0.37% of researchers in that subfield. For single-year impact, she ranked 81 out of 68,664 researchers in Environmental Engineering, placing her in the top 0.12%. She was also recognized in Microbiology in the 2026 single-year ranking, placing 3,765 out of 232,186 researchers worldwide (top 1.62%).
"Being recognized in both the career-long and single-year Stanford–Elsevier rankings is particularly meaningful because it reflects the sustained influence and continuing relevance of this work," she said.
Beyond her research contributions, Tiquia-Arashiro emphasized the importance of mentorship and collaboration throughout her career. "Equally rewarding has been the opportunity to mentor students and collaborate with scientists across disciplines and around the world. This recognition reflects the dedication and contributions of the students, colleagues, and collaborators who have been part of this scientific journey."
The Stanford–Elsevier ranking identifies influential researchers worldwide using standardized citation indicators derived from the Scopus database. These indicators consider citation impact, research productivity, and authorship contributions. The 2026 edition includes separate rankings for career-long and single-year citation impact, with the latter reflecting citations received during 2025.
Tiquia-Arashiro and Moerman are among several UM-Dearborn scholars recognized in the 2026 ranking. Researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Business were also included, underscoring the university's contributions across a range of disciplines and the commitment to rigorous and impactful research.
For CASL, the recognition offers another example of how faculty scholarship extends beyond the classroom, contributing to the development of new knowledge and strengthening the university's presence in the broader research community.
The recognition also reflects the lasting influence of research conducted by CASL faculty, whose work continues to contribute to their fields throughout their careers and beyond.
