Dr. Dirk is passionate about using computational methods in science, and nearly all of his research is associated with computational approaches. His main research expertise is in theoretical modeling and design of optical materials, primarily focused on molecular centered response properties. Dr. Dirk has a strong interest also in the molecular modeling of ground state and photochemical molecular chemical reactions. He also has expertise in design of safer lighting for the display of art, as well as associated expertise in color theory related phenomena. By way of an UTEP University IDR, Dr. Dirk developed an interaction a scientific collaboration with a company, PhotoKinetics, Inc. on lighting which impacts health through its effect through the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells of the eye. This lead to an IDR collaboration that included Dr. Kristin Gosselink of Biology, and Dr. Hector Olvera of Nursing. Other present collaborations starting 2019 include Dr. Bruce Ford (associated with the National Museum of Australia) on a new extension of my museum lighting research, Dr. Mahesh Narayan and Dr. Sreeprasad Sreenivasin (carbon based quantum dots; 2019), Dr. Keith Pannell (bisaminomethane disproportion equilibria; this work produced a manuscript but is in hiatus), Dr. Mark Kuzyk (ongoing; modulated conjugation for nonlinear optics), and continuing and ongoing photochemistry related projects with Dr. Katja Michael.