My research interests are centered on understanding how nanoscale heterogeneity and fluctuations control the physical and chemical processes of materials. My research group develops and applies advanced in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, such as the design and fabrication of liquid cells and other in situ apparatus, integrating cutting-edge imaging and image analysis methods with in situ data acquisition, to study materials dynamic phenomena at the atomic level. The current research topics include nucleation, growth and transformations of materials, solid-liquid (electrode-electrolyte), and solid-liquid-gas interfaces. Insights garnered from this research enable novel design of materials, and efficient applications of materials in catalysis, batteries and other functional devices.