Oleg D. Lavrentovich, Ph.D.

Twenty-nine Kent State faculty members have been named to be in the top 2% of scientists in the world based on a recent study published by Stanford University scholars.

The report, published in the PLOS Biology Journal, evaluated more than six million scientists across 22 different fields and 176 sub-fields from 1996 until 2019. The top 2% list is made up of more than 100,000 most-cited scientists who have authored at least five scientific papers.

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In research, it does not matter what you do, as long as you do it.


Questions & Answers

Why did you decide to pursue your field of research?

I was fascinated by soft materials such as polymers, liquid crystals, and colloids and their close relationship to living matter

What would you tell a student at the beginning of their academic career?

In research, it does not matter what you do, as long as you do it.

Tell us a little about your research:

We currently study how to control the dynamics of microparticles and micro-organisms by using liquid crystals.

What are you hoping to accomplish?

To gain knowledge about soft matter.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I am still waiting for that advice.

Who is someone you admire, and why?

Scientists who move forward our understanding of Nature.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Play or watch soccer

What does it mean to you to be included in the top 2% in your field?

Nothing special, as I do what I like and would continue that way whether I am in the top 2% or not.

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