Our research goal is to establish relationships of energetics, dynamics and structures in photochemical and photophysical processes on different temporal and spatial scales. We are interested in studying light-matter interactions in terms of interplays of electrons and nuclei of molecular, nanostructured, supramolecular systems as well as solid materials related to solar energy conversion, catalysis, optoelectronic devices and enzymatic processes. Using a variety of experimental techniques, such as ultrafast optical and X-ray spectroscopy/scattering, as well as theoretical calculations through collaborations, we seek fundamental understandings of light-matter interactions and finding solutions for reduction energy losses, directional charge transfer and accumulation for optimized photochemical reactions. The results from our research provide feedback/guidance to materials design and synthesis.