My curiosity and fascination with plants and plant physiology have led me down many paths throughout my research and career. What keeps me motivated, above all, are my students. Their passion, curiosity and fresh perspectives continue to inspire me and have guided me into research areas I might never have explored on my own.
Our region has a rich agricultural heritage and is one of the few areas in the U.S. capable of producing guayule, a valuable source of alternative rubber.
The societal impacts of my research include strengthening mental health through plant interactions, enhancing the nutritional value of biofortified leafy greens and exploring alternative latex and rubber-producing plants that could support both agricultural diversification and sustainability.
I am proud to collaborate with the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center (ERC) on the Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security (TARDISS), evaluating guayule lines for the High Plains and advancing domestic alternatives for natural latex and rubber.
Students assisting with my research gain hands-on experience in production, experimental design and communicating science to diverse audiences. The goal of this project is to offer alternative latex crops to the agricultural community, helping producers diversify commodities, increase profitability and enhance regional agricultural resilience.
Industry professionals, including Dean Clint Krehbiel, recognize the impact of this work. Our region has a rich agricultural heritage and is one of the few areas in the U.S. capable of producing guayule, a valuable source of alternative rubber.
Collaboration is central to my research, with partnerships across universities, institutions and organizations, allowing us to leverage expertise and push the boundaries of what is possible. Shared efforts lead to higher-quality research and outcomes, supporting grant funding and enabling cross-cutting, transdisciplinary work.
We envision this region becoming a key production capital for U.S. rubber while preparing future growers, workforce and industries. It is an honor to be part of the TARDISS ERC and contribute to such an innovative and critical project.
For every answer we uncover, five more questions emerge, fueling a constant drive to explore further. Challenges are part of the process; troubleshooting and mistakes build flexibility and resilience. I hope my research influences guayule production and management, advances controlled environment horticulture, and helps people understand and appreciate horticultural crops, which enrich our quality of life alongside essential agronomic crops.
CONTACT: Catherine Simpson, Associate Professor of Sustainable/Urban Horticulture, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-5691 or Catherine.Simpson@ttu.edu
0326NM26 | Editor’s Note: Interested in learning more about Simpson’s research? Listen to the episode on the Deep Roots Podcast, available on the Deep Roots website, Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.