Our Leadership

Dr. Ching-An Peng

Dr. Ching-An Peng is a Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Idaho and a leading expert in extracellular vesicle engineering, stem cell-based therapeutics, and drug/gene delivery. With over 28 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Peng’s interdisciplinary work bridges chemical engineering, regenerative medicine, and nanobiotechnology. His research has pioneered advancements in gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) manipulation, and immune-evasive delivery systems using CD47 ligands and functionalized nanoparticles. As a collaborator assisting for non-dilutive funding, Dr. Ching-An Peng created the Tozho technology, but he is not part of the company.

Dr. Peng’s recent work focuses on scalable, serum-free production and immunoaffinity-based purification of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles, exploring their potential for diabetic wound healing and other regenerative applications. He has published extensively in the fields of bioengineering, molecular delivery, and nanomedicine and has mentored dozens of graduate and undergraduate researchers, many of whom have continued into academia or leadership roles in industry.

He has held numerous academic leadership positions, including department chair, and serves on multiple editorial boards and professional societies. His work is supported by a history of sustained research funding and recognized with honors such as the James and Lorna Mack Endowed Chair in Bioengineering. Dr. Peng’s integrated approach continues to advance the clinical translation of regenerative and therapeutic nanotechnologies.

John Chavez

John Chavez is the Managing Director of the New Mexico Start-Up Factory I, II, and III, and a longtime leader in early-stage investment and innovation in New Mexico. He previously served as President of New Mexico Angels for over 12 years, where he helped double investment activity and positioned the group as a lead investor in numerous deals. He is also Managing Partner of Phase One Ventures and a Partner at NMA Ventures, a Catalyst Fund–backed venture fund.

Chavez has been instrumental in building New Mexico’s innovation ecosystem. He created technology showcase forums that connect national labs and research universities—such as Los Alamos, Sandia, UNM, and NMSU—with investors and commercialization partners. In 2012, he co-founded the New Mexico Start-Up Factory, which has launched 13 companies across three portfolios.

He is also President of Tafoya & Brainerd Consultants, advising companies and entrepreneurs on strategy, finance, and growth. In public service, he served six years as Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department and was President of the Federation of Taxation Administrators.

Chavez holds a BA in Economics, a BBA in Finance, and an MBA in Regulatory Economics from New Mexico State University. He serves on numerous boards and chairs several statewide initiatives.