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Nancy L. Leech, PhD, is one of the most cited researchers in educational research, with her work referenced more than 49,300 times. Her work in research methods, mixed methods, and statistics has influenced scholars, students, and practitioners worldwide. Yet, recognition was never her goal; it was the exchange of ideas and the collaboration with others that truly fueled her passion for publication.

"I honestly do not know how I got to where I am," she said in a recent interview. "I am glad people find my work helpful." What propelled her to this impact, she notes, was a combination of mentorship, initiative, and a deep commitment to collaboration. Early in her PhD program at Colorado State University, where she earned her doctorate in Research, Statistics, and Counseling in 2002, she actively sought out faculty to work with, seeking opportunities to co-author projects and learn the publication process.

Her early work included contributions to textbooks, an experience that shaped her enduring focus on creating research that teaches others. "I pick topics that I think are going to be helpful for people to learn how to do research," she explained.

Research and publications

This approach is reflected in her methodological and empirical publications, which include work on effect sizes, qualitative research, and mixed methods designs. Among her most notable contributions is the SPSS Intermediate textbook, where she incorporated advanced analytical techniques to guide students and researchers in data analysis.

Leech's impact has also been recognized globally. Research.com has consistently ranked her the #2 Best Scientist in Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Colorado Denver: #1860 in the world and #926 nationally in both 2023 and 2024, and #2099 in the world and #1019 nationally in 2025. In addition, Stanford University and Elsevier named her among the top 2% of highly cited scientists worldwide, both for 2024 and across her career.

Mentorship and collaboration

Leech’s influence extends far beyond her publications. Alex Osei-Kojo, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, met her in 2018 while a doctoral student at CU Denver. He said, "What stands out most about working with Dr. Leech is the rare combination of enthusiasm and deep expertise she brings to every collaboration. All you need is an idea, no matter how rough, and she will generously share her wisdom to help guide it toward success."

Chen Zong, PhD, institutional research analyst at the University of Wyoming, echoed this sentiment: "Dr. Leech was a guiding force in my academic journey. In her educational research methods courses, I gained not only a strong foundation in research but also opportunities to collaborate on projects, teach, and co-author publications. Her mentorship profoundly shaped my professional growth."

For current students, Leech remains an active mentor and collaborator. Marisha Lamont-Manfre, a PhD student at CU Denver, said, "Dr. Leech has provided steady guidance that has deepened my learning and encouraged me to grow as a researcher. She has a wealth of knowledge and has made my learning at CU Denver incredibly meaningful." Sophie Gullett, a master’s alumna, added, "Continuing to work with Nancy after graduation has almost been like grad school round two. I have learned so much about scoping research studies, writing manuscripts, and getting articles published."

Work habits and approach

Leech writes daily, often transforming teaching materials into research papers. Reflecting on her routine, she said, “I get up and I work every morning. Every morning. Maybe not Christmas, but every single morning. I don’t take off, because it has worked best with our family for me to work early in the mornings and then I have other time in the day to do other things.”

Leech emphasizes collaboration: “I enjoy working with other people when I publish. I don’t necessarily like working on my own,” she said. Her methodological expertise means she often helps colleagues shape their data and manuscripts into publishable work: “A lot of my collaborations involve people bringing me their data and they’ll say, ‘I collected this data and I can’t get it published, or I can’t write it up, or I need help analyzing it.’ And then I end up working with them as a co-author.”

Advice for early career scholars

Leech encourages early career researchers to find mentors and pursue topics that genuinely excite them. “Having a mentor, being willing to share my writing with other people, figuring out how to make it enjoyable ... this is probably why I have done well, because I like it,” she said. She also stresses active participation and initiative: “It was important that I had to go out of my way to find people to work with as a student. I went literally door to door down the hallway of the building and knocked on everyone’s door and said, ‘I want to work with people. I want to publish.’”

Life outside academia

For Leech, creative inspiration often comes during non-work activities. “I can say that no good creative idea came when I was sitting in front of the computer. It has always come when I’m cooking, or when I’m doing something with my family,” she explained. She also enjoys walking and crocheting, noting that seemingly ordinary moments can spark research ideas: “I went to coffee with a friend and when we were talking, I just started thinking about connections between phenomenon, and I was like, ‘That could be an article.’”

From her early days as a door-to-door PhD student seeking opportunities to her current role as a highly cited scholar, Nancy L. Leech exemplifies how curiosity, collaboration, and a love for learning can shape a career that leaves a lasting impact on the field of educational research.