معرفی
Michael S. Inkpen is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California (USC), leading the Inkpen Lab within the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on molecular nanoscience, particularly the design and study of single-molecule devices and self-assembled monolayers. He holds a Ph.D. from Imperial College London (2013) and a M.Chem. from Durham University (2008). His interdisciplinary work combines synthetic chemistry with advanced characterization techniques like scanning probe microscopy to address challenges in energy storage, catalysis, and electron transfer/transport.
Research interests include molecular-scale electronics, self-assembled monolayers, and ordered 2D/3D polymers. Current projects explore air-free conductance measurements, redox-active molecules as electronic components, and relationships between molecular junction conductance and bulk material properties. The lab is funded by organizations including the National Science Foundation and collaborates on initiatives like the Molecular Junction Database (MJD), a searchable resource for molecular junction research.
Inkpen advises graduate students (e.g., Thomas Czyszczon-Burton, Luana Zagami) and hosts undergraduate interns from Cerritos College. His lab is equipped with advanced tools such as a custom STM-BJ setup, gloveboxes, and surface characterization instruments. Outreach efforts include the USC-Cerritos College Summer Research Internship, fostering STEM opportunities for community college students.
