My research program focuses on the fundamental science of solar energy conversion in organic and hybrid structures, with emphasis on the factors that influence the generation of free-charge carriers in systems that contain conjugated polymers as the primary light-harvester. Over the past seven years, I have developed time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) as a distinctive electrodeless, spectroscopic tool for probing free-carrier generation in a range of nanostructured, organic systems that contain conjugated molecules and polymers, novel fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and colloidal quantum dots. I am recognized for developing the molecular approach to understanding the driving force for the photo-induced electron transfer process that controls carrier generation in organic photovoltaic devices. These contributions are built on a strong background in molecular photochemistry and photophysics and expertise of time-resolved and steady-state emission spectroscopies. This foundation provides unique insight into the intrinsic electronic and optical properties of the nanoscale species found in solar harvesting devices.