Cal State LA welcomes renowned chemist Omar Farha for Jean Dreyfus Lectureship

Northwestern University professor shares groundbreaking research during two-day visit supported by prestigious chemistry award

Cal State LA welcomed internationally recognized chemist Omar K. Farha for the Jean Dreyfus Lectureship on September 17–18, 2026, bringing a leading scientist in materials research to campus for two days of lectures and academic engagement.

Farha, chair of the Department of Chemistry and the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University, is known for his pioneering research on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), materials with the potential to address challenges in water purification, environmental protection, energy storage, and medicine.

Hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Cal State LA's College of Natural and Social Sciences, the visit was made possible through the Jean Dreyfus Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions, a program of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation that connects students and faculty with distinguished researchers in the chemical sciences.

Cal State LA was one of eight institutions nationwide selected to receive the 2024 Jean Dreyfus Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions award. The $25,000 award supports visits by distinguished scientists and provides funding for undergraduate research, creating opportunities for students to engage with leading researchers and gain hands-on experience in the chemical sciences.

Established in 1946, the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation supports scientific research and education, with a particular emphasis on advancing chemistry and related fields. Its Jean Dreyfus Lectureship program connects undergraduate institutions with prominent scientists through lectures, discussions, and other academic activities. Visiting researchers deliver at least two lectures, including one designed for a general audience, and spend time engaging with students and faculty.

During a scientific seminar on September 17, titled "Metal-Organic Frameworks from Inception to Commercialization," Farha discussed advances in the development of MOFs and their potential for practical applications.

Often described as microscopic sponges, MOFs contain tiny spaces that can capture, store, or separate different substances. Scientists can customize these materials for specific purposes, including removing contaminants from water, storing gases, and recovering valuable elements used in modern technologies.

The following day, Farha delivered a public lecture, "Programmable Smart Crystalline Sponges for Protection," at the Golden Eagle Ballroom. The presentation explored how these materials could help address challenges in chemical protection, water collection, drug delivery, and other areas.

The lectures came nearly a year after the development of metal-organic frameworks was recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, highlighting the growing significance of the field.

Farha has authored more than 700 peer-reviewed publications and holds 17 patents. His contributions to chemistry and materials science have earned him numerous distinctions, including being named a 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and receiving the 2025 American Chemical Society Award in Inorganic Nanoscience.

The impact of the lectureship extended beyond Farha's two-day visit. The award also supported summer research opportunities for two Cal State LA undergraduate students in 2025.

Madison Ngo, mentored by chemistry faculty member Yixian Wang, and Aram Sahinyan, mentored by chemistry faculty member Yangyang Liu, conducted research exploring applications in chemical sensing and advanced materials. Their experiences reflect the lectureship's commitment to strengthening undergraduate education through hands-on scientific research.