Elizabeth City, N.C. — A global honor has landed at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), and it’s in the hands of a scholar whose passion for stem cell and cancer research is transforming lives worldwide.
Ahmed Hashash, Ph.D., distinguished professor and endowed chair, has been named a 2024 Top Scholar by ScholarGPS. This honor places him among the top 0.5% of all scholars worldwide. This global recognition honors a lifetime of stem cell and cancer biology research that continues to ripple beyond the lab.
“I felt honored by this recognition,” said Hashash. “I was surprised, delighted and honored to be in this esteemed group of scholars, when I heard this news from ScholarGPS.”
The award is based on ScholarGPS’s extensive analysis of over 30 million scholar profiles and 120,000 institutional profiles. Scholars are evaluated across metrics such as productivity, impact and quality, making the ranking one of the most rigorous in the academic world. Hashash ranked among the top 0.5% scholars in stem cell research over the past five years. This distinction reflects his extensive publication record and international influence.
His credentials are as deep as his commitment to science. With over 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 15 books authored or edited, and more than 40 book chapters published with top academic publishers such as Elsevier and Springer, Hashash has long been a guiding force in regenerative medicine. He has served in roles at institutions including the University of Manchester, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, University of Edinburgh (UK) Intl. Campus and Texas A&M University before joining ECSU as an endowed chair and distinguished professor.
“My goal as a scholar is for my research to have an impact, not only in my field of stem cells and cancer biology, but for human beings and society at large,” he said. “This selection is both a signal of achieving that goal and motivation to continue doing so in the years to come.”
In addition to his prolific scholarship, Hashash is a regular keynote speaker at international scientific conferences in the United States, Spain, Greece, Egypt and China. His leadership has earned him numerous honors and positioned him as a global ambassador for scientific progress—one whose impact continues to shape research, education and policy across continents.
But it’s not just the accolades that define him. His message to other educators and leaders is grounded in purpose and passion.
“Do not stop dreaming,” he said. “Great achievements start as a dream. Work hard to achieve your dream. Enjoy your work, work hard and be creative to achieve your goals and support the scientific community.”
Hashash’s legacy is already being etched into the next generation of scholars.
“I want to inspire young scientists and undergraduates,” he said. “To have a significant impact on my institution’s development and advancement and the entire scientific community.”
At ECSU, where Viking pride runs deep, Hashash’s recognition marks more than a personal victory. It proves that world-changing work can happen in any corner of the globe, including northeastern North Carolina.
With one of the world’s top scholars walking its halls, ECSU is making strides in education and leaving footprints in the future of science.
With global accolades in one hand and a microscope in the other, Hashash isn’t just studying life—he’s leaving a legacy of it.