I love observing changes around me and finding answers to interesting questions.”
Fanrui Sha (she/her)
PhD Candidate in the Department of Chemistry
Fanrui Sha is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She is part of the Farha Research Group and her research investigates the interactions between metal-organic frameworks and biological macromolecules. Fanrui also is currently a Ryan Fellow.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
I work on a family of porous materials called Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). You can think of them as molecular tinker toys where you can control their shape and size by using different building blocks. I specifically investigate the interactions between MOFs and biological macromolecules, such as proteins and other short peptides.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
For the longest time in college, I couldn't decide between a career in arts and science. During my senior year in college, I had the opportunity to work on glaze chemistry in ceramics as an independent study project. It wasn’t until then that I realized how two seemingly distanced fields can feed into each other so much. It also reminded me how much I enjoyed using science to understand the physical world around me, which ultimately led me to pursue a graduate program in chemistry.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
Chemists are molecular architects. I’m constantly amazed by the precise control synthetic chemists have developed to build intricate structures from the bottom up. I’m also inspired by the evolutionary design from nature that is often brilliantly optimized with maximum efficiency. I hope to draw inspiration from nature and actualize them through my skills as a synthetic chemist. .
Why Northwestern?
I really enjoyed the chemistry graduate student community when I visited Northwestern. Moreover, the research lined up well with my interest, and the school offers state-of-the-art instrumentation. The beautiful campus by Lake Michigan is also a plus!
How do you unwind after a long day?
I dance and go work out with my lab mates. Sometimes a tub of Ben & Jerry's will also do.
What did you originally want to be when you grew up?
A scientist! So, I’m on track! I love observing changes around me and finding answers to interesting questions.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
Put yourself out there and get to know people who do and enjoy different things from you! As we get older and become more specialized in our studies, our social circle tends to become smaller. A diverse friend base can keep us grounded and connected to society. They also provide valuable new perspectives especially when we’re stuck!
Published: September 27, 2022
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