Poplar trees, western red cedar, flax, creosote bushes, and canola are all plants that can grow readily in Washington State, and all hold tremendous promise for generating new sources of power. Norman Lewis, director of the Institute of Biological Chemistry at Washington State University, has a goal of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by replacing them with environmentally friendly biofuels inspires the groundbreaking research he conducts at WSU. Recent breakthrough results from his experiments with plant lignins-vascular structures, akin to the human skeleton-and related aromatic hydrocarbons, suggest sustainable new ways of producing renewable biofuels and other products such as polymer substitutes. To hear more about his research, register for the lunch program here.