Three Years in the World’s Top 2% Scientists: The Remarkable Story of Dr. Sandhya Shenoy

In September 2025, Stanford University released its updated “Science-wide Author Databases of Standardized Citation Indicators”, a ranking system that identifies the top 2 % of scientists globally, based on research influence. Among this prestigious list shines the name of Dr. Sandhya Shenoy U, Professor and Principal Research Scientist in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Srinivas University, Mukka. This recognition is not just a fleeting milestone but one she has earned for three consecutive years, a clear proof of the sustained relevance and far-reaching impact of her research. The honour places her in a rare league of scholars whose work is transforming the scientific landscape with both depth and vision.Fields of Innovation: Thermoelectrics & Energy MaterialsDr. Shenoy’s scientific journey is defined by her groundbreaking work in thermoelectric materials, nanomaterials, and energy-focused composites. At the heart of her research lies a mission to convert waste heat lost every day through industrial processes, vehicles, and power plants into usable electricity through efficient thermoelectric devices. She has explored Bi- and Zn-doped SnTe thermoelectrics, 2D materials, nanofluids, and composites for environmental remediation, blending curiosity with pragmatism. With over 67 publications and thousands of citations, her contributions resonate across scientific literature, pushing the boundaries of how materials can address the energy and environmental challenges of our time.Journey of a Scientist: Education & MilestonesDr. Shenoy’s academic path reflects both dedication and vision. Starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Mangalore University, she went on to complete her Master’s in Chemistry at NIT Karnataka before earning her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2013. She then pursued postdoctoral research at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, working under some of the most respected names in the field of materials science. Today, as a DST INSPIRE Faculty at Srinivas University, she leads cutting-edge projects with significant national funding, building a bridge between pure chemistry, materials engineering, and device applications. Her ability to weave together theory, experimentation, and mentorship makes her not just a scientist but also a torchbearer for young researchers aiming to make their mark in science.Inspiration & the Road AheadBeyond the data and the discoveries, Dr. Sandhya Shenoy’s journey is a powerful reminder of what dedication and imagination can achieve. Her place among the top 2 % of global scientists is not merely a personal victory, it is an inspiration to countless students, especially women in STEM, proving that excellence knows no geographical boundaries. Her work promises a future where waste heat, once overlooked, becomes a vital source of clean energy.As she continues to push the limits of thermoelectric efficiency and material innovation, her research holds the potential to revolutionize how we power the world sustainably. More than a scientist, she stands as a visionary, inspiring the next generation to look at challenges as opportunities and to transform curiosity into innovation.