10 Pitt researchers listed as “best female scientists in the world”

January 4, 2024

 

Ten researchers in the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences were ranked on the site Research.com’s list of “best female scientists in the world” for 2023. The rankings were largely based on the researchers’ H-index, a measure of a researcher’s productivity and citation impact.

The site’s ranking used a detailed analysis of 166,880 profiles, using data acquired from sources including OpenAlex and CrossRef on Dec. 21, 2022. It relied on H-index rankings, the rate of the contributions made within an examined area of research and awards and recognitions.

“The objective of this ranking is to provide inspiration to female researchers, women contemplating a career in academia and global decision-makers by showcasing successful women in the scientific community,” Imed Bouchrika, the site’s cofounder and chief data scientist, wrote in announcing the list. He said he hoped the ranking would facilitate “increased opportunities, enhanced visibility and equitable prospects for women in all fields of science.”

Pitt's six renowned schools of the health sciences--dental, health and rehabilitation sciences, nursing, medicine, pharmacy and public health--work together and separately to propel scientific discovery and clinical innovation that advances human health.

The list includes:

  • Jane A. Cauley, Distinguished Professor and interim chair of epidemiology, School of Public Health, ranked 20 nationally and 29 internationally
  • Anne B. Newman, clinical director of the Aging Institute, Distinguished Professor and former chair of epidemiology, School of Public Health, and UPMC Chair in Geroscience, School of Medicine, ranked 22 nationally and 31 internationally
  • Theresa L. Whiteside, professor of pathology, School of Medicine, ranked 95 nationally and 151 internationally
  • Angela Gronenborn, Distinguished Professor of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, ranked 129 nationally and 210 internationally
  • Sally Wenzel, Rachel Carson Professor in Environmental Health, professor and chair, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, ranked 204 nationally and 324 internationally
  • Mary L. Phillips, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, ranked 255 nationally and 415 internationally
  • Mary Amanda Dew, professor of psychiatry, School of Medicine, ranked 342 nationally and 564 internationally
  • Sharon L. Hillier, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, School of Medicine, ranked 376 nationally and 617 internationally
  • Donna B. Stolz, professor of cell biology, School of Medicine, ranked 401 nationally and 656 internationally
  • Nina Singh, professor of medicine, School of Medicine, ranked 538 nationally and 873 internationally

“We are delighted at this recognition of Drs. Cauley, Newman and Wenzel, whose important research accomplishments inspire current and emerging public health leaders alike,” said Maureen Lichtveld, dean of the School of Public Health and Jonas Salk Professor in Population Health.

“This ranking helps highlight the importance of equal access and participation of women in science,” said Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine. “Congratulations to all the Pitt researchers, whose commitment to their work is a reflection of the high standards of the University of Pittsburgh’s schools of the health sciences.”