My research delves into both theoretical and observational aspects of extrasolar planets. As a lead developer of the PHOENIX model atmosphere code, I am responsible for maintaining and expanding its abilities to predict and interpret the atmospheric properties of exoplanets and brown dwarfs. My theoretical work is used extensively in ground-based direct-imaging planet search programs, in particular as a lead investigator for the new Gemini Planet Imager Survey. I am also heavily involved in programs focused on spectroscopy of extrasolar planets, from transiting to directly imaged. By comparing theoretical model spectra to real photometric and spectroscopic observations, a variety of planet properties can be deduced. Atmospheric structure (horizontal and vertical run of temperature and pressure), surface gravities, chemical composition, and global wind patterns are a few examples of the kinds of planet properties we seek through model observation comparisons.