Omar K. Farha
Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University
Welcome to the MOFia!
Prof. Omar K. Farha’s research seeks to solve exciting problems in chemistry and materials science ranging from energy and environment related applications to challenges in national defense by employing atomically precise functional materials. By exploiting the modular nature of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs), we work to fundamentally understand the role of three-dimensional architecture in modifying a material’s function for applications in gas storage and separation, catalysis, water remediation and detoxification of chemical warfare agent simulants.
Recent News
Science Straight Up- With Dr. Omar Farha
June 2023 – “In conjunction with the Telluride Science Research Center, “Science Straight Up” delves into how science impacts our everyday lives. Your hosts, veteran broadcast journalists Judy Muller and George Lewis bring talk to some of the TSRC’s leading scientists.” Click here to listen to the latest episode featuring Dr. Omar Farha!
2023 UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Commencement Ceremony
June 2023 – Click here to watch Dean Miguel García-Garibay’s introduction and Prof. Omar Farha’s commencement speech to the 2023 UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry graduating class!
Lab Rats to Unicorns - With Dr. Omar Farha
June 2023 – “Lab rats to unicorns is a podcast that aims to demystify the process of creating a great company in the life sciences, biotech, medtech, clean energy, and beyond! Guided by the curious mind of John Flavin.” Click here to listen to the latest episode featuring Dr. Omar Farha!
The 2023 Herman Pines award recipient is Prof. Omar Farha of Northwestern University
April 2023 – The Herman Pines award honors outstanding contributions in the field of catalysis. Herman Pines was an outstanding research scientist in both industry and academia, and his work revolutionized the general understanding of organic chemistry, particularly the chemistry of hydrocarbons interacting with strong acids… Farha’s approach to research is reminiscent of the combination of fundamental and practical catalyst science exemplified by Herman Pines, and for these contributions the Catalysis Club of Chicago is pleased to present the 2023 award to Prof. Omar Farha. read more
Prof. Omar Farha to receive 2023 UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry Alumni Award
April 2023 -Prof. Farha will accept the award and present the commencement address at the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
“UCLA is where aspirations take root, a wellspring of motivation and direction. It holds a special place in my heart and continues to be a home away from home,” Farha said. “I feel immense pride in being a Bruin.” read more
Clean Up on Planet Earth
April 2023 – Prof. Farha and the Farha Group’s work on water purification has been featured in a new Northwestern Magazine article highlighting NU researchers searching for solutions to environmental problems and developing amazing new ways to help restore our precious planet.
“Contamination in drinking water varies from one city to another, and generic water filters are typically mediocre… MOFs can play a big role because we have the ability to change the components to make them selective for different pollutants.” read more | see video
Group News
May 2024
MOF-cellent!
May 2024
MOF-tacular!
April 2024
MOF-nificent!
March 2023
MOF-tastic!