Meet Guayule: Rubber from a U.S. Desert Plant (Online Lecture)
Dr. Colleen McMahan, Research Chemist and Lead Scientist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and Devin Dotson, Senior Communication Specialist, United States Botanic Garden
Join Devin and Colleen for an engaging conversation about a U.S native desert plant that USDA research shows is a commercially feasible new source of natural rubber. This modern experiment involves plant science, agriculture, industry, and the exciting world of motorsports. Learn how guayule rubber has been used on racing tires and more!
Intended Audience: Adult All Levels
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern
Location: Online
FREE: Pre-registration required
About the presenters
Research Chemist and Lead Scientist
USDA Agricultural Research Service
Dr. Colleen McMahan is a Research Chemist and Lead Scientist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Albany, California. She completed her undergraduate Chemistry and M. S. Polymer Science degrees at The University of Akron, Ohio, and her Doctorate in Ph...(read more)
Senior Communications Specialist
U.S. Botanic Garden
Devin loves working at the U.S. Botanic Garden, where he combines his professional communications experience with his personal passion for plants and gardens. In addition to media relations and content development, Devin also works on agricultural projects, in...(read more)