The synthesis of spectroscopically and theoretically addressable transuranic hydride complexes allows us to develop complementary experimental and theoretical tools for the accurate analysis of electronic structure and reactivity of plutonium hydrides under different conditions. 

Collaboration between chemists and engineers allows us to define the fundamental chemical processes that complicate americium speciation and develop novel monitoring techniques that give us direct insight into the evolving actinide decay products and isotope mixtures in both batch and preparative scale processes.

Both DFT and multireference methods are applied to the experimental thrusts and are critical in assigning and interpreting spectroscopy and understanding the redox behavior of transuranic systems. Understanding the roles of strong correlation and spin-orbit coupling is a critical component. The modeling of multicenter bonding interactions involving f-electrons helps us to elucidate the roles of electron delocalization and covalency and to analyze the natures of metal-ligand interactions.