The Wang group works actively at the interface of biological chemistry, inorganic chemistry, catalysis, and energy science. We apply strategies we learned from natural metalloenzymes to develop the next generation of biomimetic and bio-inspired catalytic systems to carry out reactions of significant importance in metabolic transformation, synthesis, and energy industry, including the functionalization of inert aliphatic hydrocarbons in an environmentally friendly way, and the conversion of water and carbon dioxide to produce renewable fuels. We employ combined methods, including organic and inorganic synthesis, spectroscopy, surface analysis technology, kinetics, electrochemistry, and computational calculation, to investigate our catalytic reactions and tackle frontier challenges. This interdisciplinary research theme provides comprehensive trainings for our graduate and undergraduate students, and excellent opportunities of establishing vigorous collaborations with research groups within and outside of the University of Montana. Details about our group and our research projects can be found in the group website.