His research has focused broadly on inorganic chemistry (photochemistry, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, and environmental chemistry). In recent years, his research interests have centered on luminescent polymer sensors for explosives, thin film resistive chemical vapor sensors, and biomedical applications of nanoparticles. Bill serves on the strategic advisory board of RedXDefense. In recent years he has served on several NRC Committees examining new technologies and research areas for explosives detection and counterterrorism, as well as the National Academy's Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology. His honors include Phi Beta Kappa, du Pont Young Faculty Fellowship, Rohm and Haas Faculty Fellowship, Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, and Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science. In his career, Bill has been the research advisor for over 30 Ph.D. students and 40 undergraduate research students while publishing over 180 research papers, 11 patent disclosures, and two books (one edited). His teaching spans the range from undergraduate introductory chemistry and environmental chemistry to graduate group theory, spectroscopy, and kinetics.