Since he was a boy growing up on the border of Texas and Mexico, Eliseo Torres, known to everyone as “Cheo,” has been fascinated by the folk traditions and folkways of Mexico and of his Mexican American roots. Both of his parents were versed in aspects of herbal lore and healing, and as he matured he learned from them a love and respect for the history and folk knowledge of the ancient art of curanderismo, or Mexican folk healing.

Now, Eliseo "Cheo" Torres is a retired administrator at the University of New Mexico, where he was Vice President for Student Affairs. Currently, he is a member of the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies faculty. Cheo regularly lectures and offers a Summer class and online courses on the history, herbal remedies, and rituals of Curanderismo to audiences ranging from scholars and students to people hoping to become knowledgeable about alternative and traditional medicine, including lay people and medical professionals alike.  Before coming to New Mexico, his most recent role was Vice President for Student Affairs and Professor at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville.