We are a group of materials scientists and spectroscopists. We characterize the molecular structure in soft materials to understand how partial order can be exploited to reach targeted properties or functions. Our systems of interest include photoactive azomaterials, electrospun nanofibers, molecular glasses, organic ultrathin films, and byssus-derived materials. As vibrational spectroscopists, we also develop and apply advanced methods in infrared and Raman spectroscopy.