Our group is primarily interested in molecular nanoscience, studying self-assembled structures such as single-molecule junctions and surface-bound monolayers whose function is strongly influenced by the properties of the incorporated molecule(s). These structures, for example, allow us to evaluate individual molecules as electronic circuit elements (e.g., wires or switches), or to modulate chemical reactions at interfaces by controlling the relative positions of molecules in space with nanometer precision. Our interdisciplinary approach combines the design and synthesis of new compounds with electrochemical and scanning probe microscope-based characterization methods. Ultimately, we aim to develop new principles for the rational preparation of functional, molecule-based materials that address urgent societal challenges by driving innovation in areas such as catalysis, chemical sensing, and energy storage. Read more about our work on our Research and Publications pages.
Latest News
June 09, 2025
Paper accepted in Nano Letters!
Jazmine's paper, in collaboration with María Camarasa-Gómez and Daniel Hernangómez-Pérez, identifies conditions under which Lewis-acid mediated S-C(sp3) bond-breaking reactions at gold surfaces are maximized, and provides additional evidence for proposed mechanisms based on the in situ generation and loss of stable carbocations.
​
June 02, 2025
Welcome Saraswoti!
Saraswoti Subedi joins the group as our 2025 USC-Cerritos College Summer Research Intern. Over the next 8 weeks she will work to improve our recently reported methods for integrating robust template-stripped substrates with custom-built flow cells.
​​​
May 19, 2025
Welcome Lizette and Yuanhao!
Sophomore undergraduate student Lizette Miranda and freshman undergraduate student Yuanhao Chen join the group. Their research projects focus on the synthesis and study of new molecular compounds for single-molecule junctions.
​​
May 14, 2025
Paper accepted in Nano Letters!
Tom's paper,a collaborative study with the Vázquez group, explores the properties of thioether-linked single-molecule junctions formed using all three coinage metal electrodes (copper, silver, gold), experiments made possible using our glovebox-based scanning tunneling microscope setup (link).
​​
​May 13, 2025
Cynthia passes her Qualifying Exam
Congratulation to the group's latest Ph.D. Candidate!
​​
Funding
We are grateful for research support from the following organisations:
Interested in Joining?
We are always interested in hearing from potential new group members, please contact Mike directly (inkpen at usc dot edu).
​
Prospective Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate research provides a fantastic opportunity to deepen your scientific understanding and develop your problem solving and practical laboratory skills. Such experiences are highly recommended for those interested in chemistry careers, and they may even form part of your course requirements at USC. Financial support is often available through URAP or Provost's Fellowships. Please don't hesitate to introduce yourself by email and briefly describe your interests.
​
Prospective Graduate Students
You can read more about and directly apply to the USC Chemistry Ph.D. Program through the Chemistry Department webpage. We are always happy to discuss our research with interested applicants, but cannot answer questions about admissions.
​
Prospective Postdocs
Internal postdoctoral funding is not available unless explicitly advertised, but we would be delighted to collaborate on external funding applications (e.g., for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Postdoctoral Fellowships). In your email, please include a brief discussion of your research background and why you are interested in working with us, attaching your CV and 2-3 publications.