My group studies high pressure and temperature states of matter in the laboratory to address questions of scientific and technological interest.  We examine materials relevant to natural systems such as planetary interiors and technologies such as energetic materials.  We develop and use ultrafast methods to create, sustain, and study extreme states. We visit facilities worldwide for access to high power laser systems, synchrotron radiation, and other special instrumentation.  We examine how extreme conditions can be used to synthesize new materials and characterize fundamental material properties including strength, elastic moduli, optical properties, and melting points.