Five U of A researchers affiliated with the UA Power Group were honored in the recent Stanford University report as being among the top 2% of the world's scientists.

The distinguished faculty members include:

• Xiangbo Meng, assistant professor of mechanical engineering;
• Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering and computer science;
• Jingxian Wu, professor of electrical engineering and computer science;
• Yue Zhao, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science; and
• Juan Carlos Balda, former head of the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Published in October by Stanford University, the list is based on an extensive analysis of scientists' research outcomes, including citations and academic-based scoring, which enables the identification of those whose research is most influential in the field and internationally recognized.

Meng has been instrumental in advancing cost-effective and long-term reliable high-energy rechargeable batteries — such as lithium metal batteries and sodium batteries — for transportation electrification and smart grids.

Mantooth, distinguished for his groundbreaking work in power semiconductor device modeling, power electronic packaging and advanced integration, stands among the elite in the field of electrical engineering. His expertise in power electronics and leadership in U of A's rise to become the largest power electronics program in America has earned widespread acclaim, influencing industry practices and academic discourse alike.

Wu's research interests span power system cybersecurity, renewable energy integration, signal processing and communication for smart grid, and optimal energy management strategies. His interdisciplinary approach reflects the diverse expertise within the UA Power Group.

Zhao's innovative approaches to design and optimize the silicon carbide based high power converters for transportation electrification and grid-connected applications have garnered international recognition, offering sustainable solutions to the evolving energy landscape.

Balda's contributions to power electronics and renewable energy systems round out the exceptional achievements of the UA Power Group faculty. His research on advanced control strategies, medium-voltage grid-tied inverters and high-frequency transformers underscores the group's commitment to innovation and sustainability in electrical engineering.

As the UA Power Group continues to push the boundaries of engineering excellence, the recognition of these faculty members in the Stanford University report reaffirms their status as global leaders in their respective fields. Their collective efforts enrich academia and drive impactful solutions to real-world challenges in energy and beyond.

The ranking of scientists can be found here.