Molecular self assembly is the process by which molecules organize themselves in highly ordered configurations. Common examples of this phenomenon in nature are phospholipid bilayers forming cell walls, DNA hybridization, and protein folding. Scientists are now using this natural phenomenon to their advantage in the field of surface molecular engineering. Molecules can be engineered to assemble on many different types of surfaces in highly ordered molecular layers called self-assembled monolayers or SAMs. By changing the molecular makeup of the surface, one can change the overall surface properties, such as making a surface resist cell adhesion. The most exciting aspect of molecular self assembly is its widespread use in current nanotechnology research. This talk will focus on the background of SAMs, current and exciting research in the field, as well as my own research.