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Spintronics research over the past two decades has focused on developing an understanding of spin transport in materials currently used in the semiconductor industry for potential spin-based applications. Recently, a surge of interest in spin transport in antiferromagnetic materials and spin interactions in novel materials have led to many promising discoveries. The work in this dissertation explores discrepancies in past discoveries, provides evidence to support recent theories on antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin transport, and develops the capabilities to further explore spin physics in novel states of matter. This dissertation focuses on four primary topics. First, a thickness dependence of the spin Hall angle in Au is discussed as a potential explanation for a large variance in the previously reported values. Second, evidence supporting a highly efficient mode of spin transport mediated by AFM fluctuations is found in the temperature dependence of the spin pumping signal in Pt/NiO/Y3Fe5O12 trilayers. Third, a new low damping metallic ferromagnet is developed and characterized as a potential platform for future spintronic research. Finally, a molecular beam epitaxy system is established with the capabilities to prepare topologically insulating materials that are predicted to host many novel phenomena.