MICHAEL INKPEN
Michael S. Inkpen
Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Southern California
We develop and study single-molecule devices and self-assembled molecular interfaces, combining electrochemical and scanning probe microscope-based methods to address fundamental questions in charge transport, catalysis, and energy conversion.
Research Areas
Molecular Electronics • Self-Assembled Monolayers • Molecular Materials
Office: LJS 250
Phone: (213) 821-1910
Email: inkpen@usc.edu
Academic Appointments and Education
2026–Present — Associate Professor, University of Southern California, USA
2019–2026 — Assistant Professor, University of Southern California, USA
2017–2018 — Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Rennes 1, France (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow)
2015–2017 — Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Columbia University, New York, USA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellow)
2013–2015 — Postdoctoral Research Associate, Imperial College London, UK
2008–2013 — Ph.D., Imperial College London, UK
2004–2008 — M.Chem., University of Durham, UK
Biography
Michael S. Inkpen obtained his M.Chem. from Durham University and his Ph.D. from Imperial College London, UK with Prof. Nicholas J. Long and Prof. Tim Albrecht (now at the University of Birmingham). He spent two years at Columbia University, U.S.A. as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, in the group of Prof. Latha Venkataraman. In October 2017 he returned to Europe for the final year of his fellowship, working with Prof. Philippe Hapiot at the University of Rennes 1, France. In January 2019, he joined the faculty at the Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, USA as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2026.
Research
The Inkpen Lab investigates how molecular structure controls electronic and chemical function at surfaces and interfaces. We study self-assembled nanoscale architectures, including single-molecule junctions and surface-bound monolayers, which provide model systems for understanding charge transport through individual molecules and chemical processes at solid-solution interfaces. Our goal is to establish design principles that enable molecules to function as electronic components while using nanoscale organization to direct interfacial reactivity.
Explore our research areas and current projects on the Research pages.
Selected Awards and Honors
2023 - CAREER Award, National Science Foundation
2021 - Doctoral New Investigator Grant, ACS Petroleum Research Fund
2015 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellowship, European Commission
Professional Profiles