Our group investigates light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, where sub-wavelength light confinement creates new optical phenomena. We achieve this by creating spatially-confined optical fields using nano-engineered plasmonic and photonic materials through top-down and bottom-up nanofabrication methods. Using far-/near-field spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and electrochemistry, our group investigates various plasmonic processes occurring upon photoexcitation, coupling with a matter, plasmonic decay, as well as those that are yet-to-be-identified. We apply the gained knowledge of photo-physics, photo-chemistry, and photo-biology to generate new practical applications addressing technological and societal needs.