World Coffee Research Welcomes Lissette Hernández as Senior Research Technician
February 28 - 2026
Coffee Geography Magazine
World Coffee Research (WCR) has announced the appointment of Lissette Hernández to the role of Senior Research Technician, a position that places her at the heart of the organization’s efforts to advance coffee science on a global scale. In her new role, Hernández will be instrumental in managing and supporting WCR’s international breeding trials and field activities, with a particular focus on the Innovea Global Breeding Network. Her work will emphasize data quality and operational excellence, ensuring that the organization’s research continues to meet the highest standards.
Hernández brings a rich academic and professional background to the team. Trained as an agricultural engineer with a specialization in crop sciences, she holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Licentiate degree from the University of Costa Rica, as well as a Master of Science in Environmental Protection and Agricultural Food Production from the University of Hohenheim in Germany. Her career has taken her across four continents, with research collaborations in Germany, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Cameroon, and Brazil. She has worked alongside public institutions, private companies, universities, and development organizations, building a broad network of partnerships and deepening her expertise in agri-food systems, plant breeding, sustainability, and field trial management.
Lissette Hernández, Senior Research Technician, WCR
In a recent conversation with Maeve Holler, WCR’s Industry Communications Manager, Hernández shared insights into her personal and professional journey with coffee, her vision for her new role, and the passions that shape her life outside of work.
Her connection to coffee runs deep. As a Costa Rican, she describes coffee as more than a crop—it is woven into her cultural identity. Professionally, she has worked directly with the sector, coordinating research trials for a Costa Rican company, collaborating with farmers to ensure data reliability, and even co-founding an e-commerce platform aimed at connecting local coffee producers directly with consumers. That blend of scientific rigor and entrepreneurial spirit reflects her broader commitment to innovation in food value chains. Much of her earlier research focused on underutilized crops, where she developed protocols for germination, propagation, post-harvest processing, and plant breeding—skills she now applies to the genetic improvement of coffee.
Hernández sees her new position at WCR as a meaningful convergence of personal passion and professional purpose. “I love coffee,” she said. “As an agronomist, it is one of the most interesting and fun crops to work with. As a professional, I get to collaborate with a highly qualified multicultural team on a global scale. And as a person, I have the chance to invest my time in something I truly believe in.”
In her role, she hopes to serve as a bridge—bringing together WCR’s diverse collaborators in an environment that is both collegial and productive. Her vision is one of connection, grounded in a positive and inclusive approach to teamwork.
Outside of the lab and the field, Hernández leads a vibrant life. She recently moved to Turrialba, Costa Rica, a place she chose for its natural beauty and the warmth of its people. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, dancing, practicing Capoeira, and spending time with friends and family. And when it comes to coffee, her preference is simple: black, no sugar.