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I study the molecular mechanisms that regulate energy transfer on the femtosecond timescale during photosynthesis.

In contrast to synthetic light harvesting systems, natural systems are incredibly good at self-regulation. They can adapt to varying light conditions either to optimize their solar harvesting ability or protect themselves from excessive sunlight. It is known that carotenoids play crucial roles in this regulation on the microsecond and longer timescales. I use the ultrafast technique of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy to observe the coupling of carotenoids and chlorophylls in photosynthetic complexes. I use this information to extend our understanding of regulatory processes in photosynthesis on the femtosecond timescale.