Our research group designs, builds, and maintains optical setups for elucidating light-activated photochemistry in complex materials.   We have access to ultrafast Ti:Sapphire pulsed lasers, a range of single frequency diode lasers, catalytic reaction chambers, and wetlab protocols for nanofabrication of materials with varying electronic and optical properties.  We specialize in Raman/SERS, absorption/reflectance, single particle studies, transient absorption and stimulated Raman characterization of the condensed phase.  The group also engages in XAS beamline commissioning and development at high energy x-ray sources across the world.  We are focused on addressing the big questions in environmental technology and biomimetics, molecular dynamics in nanoscale confinement, and photochemical light harvesting.