Tarnuma works on synthesis and characterization of heterogeneous catalytic systems using EPR techniques. Using a highly sensitive technique like EPR may allow better understanding of some of the more elusive mechanisms involved in these systems. This information can be applied to improve factors such as catalytic activity, efficiency, and selectivity. She is currently focusing on understanding supported vanadium- and rhenium-based systems which are widely used in olefin metathesis/polymerization reactions.