Franz M. Geiger

Dr. Franz M. Geiger is the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University, with additional affiliations as Faculty Affiliate at the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, Faculty Affiliate at the International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Faculty Member in the Applied Physics Graduate Program. He serves as Director of Graduate Curriculum and Executive Editor of The Journal of Physical Chemistry.

• Ph.D.: Georgetown University
• Vordiplom: Technische Universität Berlin

Professor Geiger's research focuses on the role of surfaces and interfaces in geochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and biophysics. His laboratory develops cutting-edge laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and computational techniques to investigate environmental interfaces. Key research areas include chemistry for sustainability, climate change science, water pollution, indoor chemistry, and renewable energy production. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular-scale interfacial science to continuum-scale models, with particular emphasis on understanding water structure at interfaces and its implications for environmental processes.

Analysis of Professor Geiger's recent publications reveals a strong focus on interfacial phenomena across multiple systems. His work spans environmental interfaces from deep sea environments to atmospheric chemistry and indoor air quality. A recurring theme is the application of advanced spectroscopic techniques to quantify molecular behavior at interfaces, particularly water structure and orientation. His research demonstrates how fundamental interfacial science connects to broader environmental challenges including climate change, water quality, and sustainable energy.

• Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Prize of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2017)
• ACS Nobel Laureate Signature Award in Graduate Education in Chemistry (2021)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2016)
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012)
• Sloan Fellowship (2007-2009)
• NSF-CAREER Award (2004-2009)

Professor Geiger maintains an active research group mentoring numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with several receiving prestigious awards including Burwell Fellowships and Outstanding Researcher awards. His group has secured significant research funding, evidenced by the recent granting of a nanometal energy harvester patent based on work published in PNAS in 2019. He serves on multiple national committees including the ACS National Award Canvassing Committee and the National Academy of Sciences Chemical Sciences Roundtable.

The Geiger Research Group investigates environmental interfaces through teamwork and mentorship, embracing interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex scientific challenges. Their work spans atmospheric chemistry, water interfaces, energy materials, and indoor environments, using advanced spectroscopic techniques to build fundamental understanding that serves both the scientific community and the public. The group actively recruits students through research experiences and maintains a strong presence at conferences and professional organizations.