His research considers the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructure-containing polymers related to biobased materials, drug delivery, alternative energy (batteries), nanotemplating, and composite-based personal-protective equipment.

[1] He remained there for his graduate studies, completing a master's degree in chemical engineering (Practice School) in 1999 before moving to the University of Minnesota for his doctorate.

[7] Specifically, Epps develops block copolymers that can assemble into nano-scale structures with carefully controlled molecular shapes, sizes and orientations.

[3] He also pioneered the development of gradient substrates and free surfaces the deposition of block copolymer thin films.

[3] Epps showed that self-assembled monolayers of chlorosilane used in combination with flow-coating and solvent vapour gradients can result in nanostructures with precise optical and electronic properties.

[15] In 2020 Epps and LaShanda Korley were announced as the directors of the United States Department of Energy Center for Plastics Innovation.