Staff Spotlight: Megan Villasenor

Megan Villasenor recently joined the College of Engineering as the Department of Biomedical Engineering’s (BME) Chief Operations Officer.

As part of her role, she provides leadership, oversight and management to the large and complex academic and translational research environment for the BME department. She has been with the University of California since 2006, and has spent time working at both the Davis and Berkeley campuses. Megan is also a passionate volunteer on campus and in her community.

In this edition of the College of Engineering’s Staff Spotlight, we get to know more about Megan.

Tell us about your path to UC Davis.

I started at UC Davis as a student in 2000 and loved it so much that I never left. I started my first staff position during my senior year.

What is your current position at UC Davis?

I am the Chief Operations Officer for the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

What are your major job functions?

I provide leadership, oversight and management to the large and complex academic and translational research environment for the BME department.

What skill is most important in your job?

Integrity, compassion, authenticity, influence and agility are all important skills in my job.

What are you looking forward to in this role?

I’m most looking forward to working with the BME team who care so deeply about our department and the work they are doing to help further the mission of UC Davis.

What is your favorite thing about working at UC Davis/in your department (so far)?

I love the focus on community and relationships at UC Davis. My new team has been amazing about bringing me up to speed on everything that’s been going on, especially during these unpreceded times.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I have five kids, ranging in age from 2-18. They keep me busy!

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

I love reading, working out and spending time with my family