In Richard Amasino's group, researchers are using a combination of genetics and biochemistry to better understand, at a molecular level, the process of vernalization. For example, they have identified a gene(FLC) in the crucifer Arabidopsis thaliana that prevents flowering unless they have experienced the cold of winter. They are also studying biomass traits in Brachypodium distachyon in an effort supported by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (www.glbrc.org/), and have several projects in the area of science education.