Established a center for multimedia education at Purdue that has gained nationwide recognition for its innovative programs, several of which are used by high-school and college science teachers nationwide. Areas of expertise include photobiology and photosynthesis. Is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for Advancement of Science. Developed tracking system for charged particles. Member, American Physical Society, American Association of Physics Teachers, and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
Research focuses on automation and artificial intelligence for the construction industry.
Author of over 100 publications in computer-based decision support systems for engineering project management. Is president-elect of the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction. Is recipient of NSF Presidential Young InvestigatorAward and ASCE Huber Research Prize. Is expert on Russian history and politics and the politics of oil in the former Soviet Union. Can address questions on wars in Chechnya and Armenia - Azerbaijan.