Lignin is a major component of plant secondary cell walls and plays essential roles in vascular function, mechanical support, and stress resistance. At the same time, its complex chemical structure presents major challenges for biomass utilization. Our research focuses on understanding lignin biosynthesis and using this knowledge to engineer this biopolymer in plants. We are developing new chemistries to create lignin polymers with improved properties for deconstruction and downstream conversion into bioproducts. In this seminar, I will highlight our recent work on lignin biosynthesis, pathway engineering, and the development of designer lignins as a platform for sustainable biomanufacturing.