My research interests are largely focused on understanding Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. I am also generally interested in icy surfaces wherever they are found. Centaurs, transitional objects (asteroid/comet), and comets provide the occasional diversion. Near-Earth objects are another research concern but I am more committed to characterizing these objects than with finding them.

I pursue my research objectives with a variety of techniques. First and foremost I am an observational groundbased astronomer and will use any facility and technique that can provide useful data. In support of this leaning I am very much interested in both telescopic instrument development and in robotic observing systems. I also pursue the very specialized art of stellar occultation observations by solar system bodies, usually with portable systems. Often just collecting data is not enough so I also develop a lot of software for data analysis and modeling. When possible I also observe with the Hubble Space Telescope, largely in support of my Pluto work. Lastly, I am a collaborator with the New Horizons mission to Pluto and provide input and support to the project whenever I can.