Lara Al Hariri

Lara Al Hariri is a Senior Lecturer II in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her roles combine innovative chemical education and multidisciplinary polymer research. She holds a PhD in Material Science and Analytical Chemistry from Florida State University and a Maîtres in Chemistry from the Lebanese University of Beirut.

Her research focuses on commercial and novel polymers for optoelectronic applications, biomaterials, and antifouling surfaces. Key projects include enhancing optical properties of poly(phenylvinylene) (PPV) for OLEDs and studying cell/bacterial interactions with nanoscale coatings. Educationally, she emphasizes modern teaching methods like live demonstrations, i>clicker engagement, and comprehensive assessments to prepare students for careers in collaborative fields like nanoscience and chemical engineering.

She is affiliated with the Chemical Education and Material Science (Polymers) groups, located in Room 341F of the Integrated Sciences Building. Contact details include alhariri@chem.umass.edu and (413) 545-1484.