The "Spicy" Team

Dennis Nicuh Lozada, Principal Investigator

Email: dlozada@nmsu.edu

Dennis Nicuh Lozada joined the Chile Pepper Breeding Program at NMSU as an Assistant Professor in July 2020. He holds a PhD degree in Cell and Molecular Biology (Plant Breeding and Genetics) from the University of Arkansas. When not in the laboratory or in the field, you can see him exploring Las Cruces and the surrounding areas. He likes both red and green chiles (Christmas), and thought of making some Filipino-New Mexican chile pepper recipes in the future.

Danise Coon, Senior Research Specialist

Email: hotchile@nmsu.edu

Danise Coon is the Senior Research Specialist of the Chile Pepper Breeding Program at NMSU. Danise was born and raised in New Mexico. She has previously work with Dr. Paul W. Bosland, the “Chile Man”, and now working with Dr. Lozada in the chile pepper breeding and genetics research program. She is an NMSU alumni with a BS and MS degrees in Horticulture from the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Elizabet Lopez, Program Coordinator, The Chile Pepper Institute (CPI)

Email: eklopez@nmsu.edu

Liza López joined the CPI as Program Coordinator in September of 2020. She is a native Las Crucen and completed her degrees in Anthropology and Latin American Studies at NMSU. She’s an avid cook, gardener, swimmer, and animal lover.

Guillermo Nunez, Undergraduate Researcher

Email: zenun@nmsu.edu.

Guillermo Nunez is currently an undergraduate student enrolled in the Human Nutrition and Dietetics program at NMSU. He is an immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico, and was raised in Denver, Colorado. Outside of his academic career, he enjoys road cycling and collects high fidelity audio equipment. Guillermo hopes to one day call himself a physician.

Laney White, Undergraduate Support- The Chile Pepper Institute

Email: lewhite@nmsu.edu

Laney White is currently a sophomore student majoring in Ag Business and minoring in Kinesiology. She is a native New Mexican and was raised in a small town, on the other side of the Manzano Mountains, called Edgewood. She is an animal lover and enjoys the sunshine and outdoors.