His research concentrates on drip irrigation systems, crop water management, irrigation efficiency, and evapotranspiration. At Colorado State University, he teaches courses on irrigation systems design and irrigation water management. Dr. Chávez is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, and the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Dr. Chávez earned his bachelor’s degree from the Universidade Federal da Paraíba in Brazil, his master's in irrigation engineering from Utah State University, and his doctorate in biological and agricultural engineering from the same school.