Dr. Safiya Khalil Alhashmi leads the Khalil Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi, using artificial intelligence and laboratory automation to accelerate the commercialization of materials for decarbonization, water security, and quantum technologies.

Her research turns high-impact publications and patents into real-world solutions. She developed a scalable photocatalyst and photoreactor system, licensed to Coflux Purification. This system destroys PFAS (“forever chemicals”) at the molecular level, achieving 99.8 percent elimination without creating secondary contaminants. She also advances the circular carbon economy by converting CO₂ into clean fuels and essential chemicals.

Dr. Alhashmi’s work links fundamental science with scalable impact, developing disruptive materials technologies that drive innovation and sustainability.