Frances M. Ross
- Ellen Swallow Richards Professor in Materials Science and Engineering
- B.A. Hons. Cambridge University (Mathematics Part IA, Natural Sciences Part IB, Physics Part II)
- Ph.D. Materials Science and Metallurgy Cambridge University
- 13-5046
- (617) 452-2535
- fmross@mit.edu
Electrochemistry; Self Assembly; Semiconductors; Surfaces, Interfaces, and Thin Films

Research
Building functional nanostructures with atomic level precision requires a detailed understanding of materials growth and the physics of self-assembly at the nanoscale. Frances Ross uses transmission electron microscopy to watch crystals as they grow and react, and scanning tunneling microscopy to measure the properties of nanomaterials. These microscopy techniques help her group to explore the growth mechanisms of nanocrystals on graphene, electrochemically deposited nanostructures and catalytically grown nanowires. Frances is excited by the ongoing advances in microscopy instrumentation which give intriguing opportunities for future experiments.
Recent News
A wizard of ultrasharp imaging: Frances Ross
July 13, 2020
New opportunities from nanoscale materials
October 18, 2019
Watch a video of surface ordering on a nanoscale catalyst
April 10, 2019
Frances Ross wins Hatsujiro Hashimoto Medal of IFSM
September 19, 2018