Light-driven physical processes and chemical reactions are another interest to our group.  In many cases, the molecules undergoing the photo-driven processes are embedded in anisotropic matrixes that can have profound influences on the excited state surfaces.  

Currently, our research focuses on 'simple' proton, electron, and energy transfer processes in the solution state.  We are investigating both intra- and inter-molecular processes utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy, time-correlated single photon counting, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations to map the potential energy surfaces of the molecules involved.   Specifically, we are exploiting conformational changes and steric constraints to alter the dynamics of pyrenyl and other aromatic groups that have been placed in locally constrained environments.