His research interests include observational studies of young stars and exoplanets as well as developing astronomical observatories and instrumentation.

Professional Activities and Positions
NASEM Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2014 – 2022, co-chair 2019 – 2022
Keck Observatory Science Steering Committee, 2005 – 2010 & 2015 – 2022
Chair and co-founder of the quarterly Bay Area Exoplanet Meetings, 2012 – 2021
NASA Keck Observatory and Spitzer TACs: member, panel chair, chair roles, 2004 – 2016
NASA Exoplanet Program Analysis Group executive committee, 2010 – 2014
NASEM Astro2010 Decadal Survey Space (EOS) Program Prioritization Panel, 2009 – 2010
NASA Astrophysics Subcommittee and Origins Subcommittee, 2004 – 2008