Abha Rai Named Top 2% Scientist
Abha Rai, Ph.D., MSW, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work, has been recognized by the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List for 2025, a global ranking that honors the world’s most influential researchers in terms of citation impact and scholarly contribution. The list, compiled through standardized citation indicators developed by a team at Stanford University and published with Elsevier data, ranks scientists across disciplines based on composite metrics including total citations, h-index, and co-authorship impact.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to the mentors, collaborators, and communities whose partnership makes this work possible. This acknowledgment reflects our shared commitment to advancing impactful and timely social work research.”
Dr. Rai’s scholarship focuses on the well-being of vulnerable communities, gender-based violence, culturally responsive research methods, and the intersection of technology and mental health interventions. Currently, she serves at the Co-Director of the Research and Innovation Lab at Loyola SSW (RAIL) & the Associate Director of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Accompaniment (CIRA) at Loyola SSW, and has more than 15 years of international community-engaged research experience.
Recognized for her contributions to social work research and practice, Dr. Rai’s inclusion in the Top 2% list underscores her sustained influence in the global scientific community and advances Loyola’s mission of scholarship for social justice.
“Guided by Loyola University Chicago’s Jesuit tradition, my scholarship seeks to walk alongside vulnerable communities through research grounded in justice, dignity, and service," Rai said. "This recognition reflects the collective impact of that mission-driven work.”
Dr. Rai’s research continues to shape practices and research that enhance well-being for marginalized communities, making her a standout among social scientists worldwide.
Abha Rai, Ph.D., MSW, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work, has been recognized by the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List for 2025, a global ranking that honors the world’s most influential researchers in terms of citation impact and scholarly contribution. The list, compiled through standardized citation indicators developed by a team at Stanford University and published with Elsevier data, ranks scientists across disciplines based on composite metrics including total citations, h-index, and co-authorship impact.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to the mentors, collaborators, and communities whose partnership makes this work possible. This acknowledgment reflects our shared commitment to advancing impactful and timely social work research.”
Dr. Rai’s scholarship focuses on the well-being of vulnerable communities, gender-based violence, culturally responsive research methods, and the intersection of technology and mental health interventions. Currently, she serves at the Co-Director of the Research and Innovation Lab at Loyola SSW (RAIL) & the Associate Director of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Accompaniment (CIRA) at Loyola SSW, and has more than 15 years of international community-engaged research experience.
Recognized for her contributions to social work research and practice, Dr. Rai’s inclusion in the Top 2% list underscores her sustained influence in the global scientific community and advances Loyola’s mission of scholarship for social justice.
“Guided by Loyola University Chicago’s Jesuit tradition, my scholarship seeks to walk alongside vulnerable communities through research grounded in justice, dignity, and service," Rai said. "This recognition reflects the collective impact of that mission-driven work.”
Dr. Rai’s research continues to shape practices and research that enhance well-being for marginalized communities, making her a standout among social scientists worldwide.