Chris Hernandez

Chris Hernandez is Assistant Professor of Plant Breeding in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. His research program focuses on cucurbit genetics, investigating the genetic basis of key agricultural traits including disease resistance, nutritional quality, yield, and morphological characteristics in squash, pumpkins, and melons.

The Hernandez Lab employs integrated approaches combining traditional breeding techniques with modern genomic, bioinformatic, and statistical methods to accelerate crop improvement. Research objectives include elucidating genetic markers associated with desirable phenotypes, developing improved cultivars adapted to regional growing conditions, and understanding genotype-environment interactions.

Professor Hernandez teaches courses including Introductory Horticulture, Evolutionary Genetics of Plants, Precision Agriculture, and Collaborative Farm Design & Development. He directs the UNH Cucurbit Breeding Program, conducting field trials and genetic analyses to support sustainable specialty crop production.