Martha Farah

Martha Farah is the Annenberg Professor of Natural Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the Center for Neuroscience & Society. Her research focuses on behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, particularly examining how socioeconomic status (SES) influences brain development and the ethical implications of neuroscience (neuroethics). She holds a dual SB in Metallurgy and Materials Science and Philosophy from MIT, and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Harvard University. Farah teaches advanced courses such as PSYC 547 (Foundations of Social, Cognitive, and Affective Science) and PSYC 747 (Contemporary Research Issues in Social, Cognitive, and Affective Science).

Her work bridges neuroscience and public health, investigating how SES disparities impact brain structure and function. She has pioneered studies on portable neuroimaging to address representativeness in neuroscience research and explores the societal implications of neurotechnologies. Farah currently does not accept new graduate students for Fall 2025.

Key research themes include SES effects on executive function, mental health disparities, and neuroethics frameworks for emerging technologies. Her recent work emphasizes practical ethics in field-based neuroimaging and the biological underpinnings of poverty-related mental health challenges.