Colorado State University, Plant Pathology, 2017, PhD

University of New Mexico, Biology, 2010, BS

Brad Tonnessen is the Research Scientist at the CSU Western Colorado Research Center - Rogers Mesa (WCRC-RM). He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and earned a PhD at Colorado State University in genetics and plant pathology. He spent time as an organic farmer before becoming an Extension program manager at New Mexico State University for chile pepper breeding and mixed vegetable production. At WCRC-RM, Brad is working to build community presence and conduct research that benefits farmers. His current research interests include organic methods of pest and disease control in tree fruit and vegetables, organic agroecosystems, integrated pest management, and disease diagnostics.