Purdue Professor Guang Lin recognized among world's top scholars in computational physics
05-06-2025
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – Purdue University's Professor Guang Lin has been ranked #3 among Highly Ranked Scholars globally in Computational Physics for the past five years by ScholarGPS, a leading academic analytics platform. This prestigious recognition places Lin among the elite in his field, drawing on data from 30 million scholars across 120,000 institutions worldwide. ScholarGPS utilizes advanced machine learning and statistical analysis to provide unbiased, quantitative evaluations of academic achievement and impact.
Lin holds multiple titles at Purdue, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. He is currently Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at College of Science, a Full Professor at the Department of Mathematics and School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University. He also holds courtesy professorships in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and the Department of Statistics.
A letter sent to Lin by ScholarGPS said, “ScholarGPS celebrates Highly Ranked Scholars™ for their exceptional performance in various Fields, Disciplines, and Specialties. Your prolific publication record, the high impact of your work, and the outstanding quality of your scholarly contributions have placed you in the top 0.05% of all scholars worldwide according to the most recent 2024 ScholarGPS rankings.”
Driving Research and Innovation at Purdue Science
In his role as Associate Dean for Research and Innovation for the College of Science, which began in January 2024, Lin is at the forefront of shaping Purdue's scientific future. He leads initiatives aimed at bolstering the research capabilities and impact of a college with over 350 tenure-track faculty members and nearly 8,000 students.
"My role involves overseeing and promoting research across all departments within the College of Science," said Lin. "This includes encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, helping faculty secure funding, developing strategic research initiatives, fostering innovation, overseeing our research facilities, and building vital partnerships with industry and other institutions. A key aspect is also mentoring our junior faculty and graduate students to help them build successful research careers and facilitating the translation of research discoveries into real-world applications through technology transfer and entrepreneurship."
Making Complex Science Understandable
Lin’s work focuses on using the power of computers and data to understand the world around us.
"My research interests are broad, covering computational and data science," he said. "My main focus currently is on using techniques like machine learning and computer simulations to create models of complex systems, whether they are physical, like climate patterns, or biological, like blood flow. We develop advanced algorithms and leverage high-performance supercomputers to analyze these intricate systems, often dealing with inherent uncertainties or randomness. The ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of innovation and discover new knowledge by simulating and understanding how these complex, interconnected systems work.”
On Receiving the ScholarGPS Ranking
Regarding the ScholarGPS ranking, he expressed gratitude for the recognition.
"It's truly an honor to be recognized by ScholarGPS, especially knowing their comprehensive and data-driven approach to evaluating scholarly impact globally,” he said. “This acknowledgment reflects not only my own efforts but also the collaborative spirit and supportive environment here at Purdue, including the contributions of my students, postdocs, and colleagues over the years. It motivates me to continue pushing the frontiers of computational and data science to address significant scientific and engineering challenges."
Professor Lin's work, characterized by its blend of sophisticated mathematics, high-performance computing, and data science, has earned him numerous accolades, including an NSF CAREER Award, the University Faculty Scholar distinction, and College of Science Research Award at Purdue. His leadership and research continue to significantly contribute to Purdue's standing as a global leader in science and engineering.
About the College of Science
Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,800 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, and mathematics at www.purdue.edu/science.
Photo by Alisha Willett, Purdue University