Our current research program focuses on understanding, control, and applications of localized nucleation of nanostrcutures upon patterned surfaces. By coupling advances in experimental and modeling methods, we are advancing understanding of the concept of "templated assembly," the study of epitaxial nucleation as controlled by local surface variations. These advances provide the foundations for exploration and development of new nanostructured systems. Our current emphasis is on the epitaxial Ge(Si)/Si system, but we are extending the breadth of our discoveries through programs on templated assembly of metal oxide nanostructures and endothelial cells.