o   Infrared multiple photon photodissociation spectroscopy of heteronuclear metal (oxide) clusters and their reaction properties with small molecules (model catalysis) using free electron laser facility and low-pressure collision cell;

o   Molecular-level understanding of vapor phase nucleation and cluster growth using uniform Laval expansions and VUV single photon ionization (SPI) mass spectrometry;

o   Molecular level understanding of the early stages (pre-nucleation clusters) of atmospheric aerosol new particle formation;

o   In-situ study of interfacial ozonation processes and related chemistry in the atmosphere and electro-sprayed droplet surface;

o   Transient organic/inorganic radicals important in organic/inorganic synthesis & astrochemistry;

o   Transition state spectroscopy employing the photodetachment photoelectron spectroscopy;

o   Molecular level understanding of solvation and dissolution mechanisms of important salts and Hofmeister series anions in polar solvents and their interactions with biological molecules as well as ion pairing behavior;

o   Electronic structures of organometallic complexes and their interactions with small biological molecules;

o   Electronic structures and geometric structural evolution of (doped) metal clusters and superatom (superhalogen/hyperhalogen) species.