Greg Villareal, PhD Position: Board Member Current Term: 2008 – 2010 Website: www.cavbali.com

Committee Chair: Industry Advisory Council
Committee Member: Chapter Committee, Membership Committee, Postdoc Committee, Public Policy Working Group

Institution: CAV–Bali
Position: Entrepreneur
Field: Neuroscience
Specialization: Synapatic Plasticity

Dr. Greg Villareal received his Bachelor of Science degree as a Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) scholar from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1998. In 2006, he earned his doctoral degree in the department of neurobiology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where he utilized electrophysiology and imaging techniques to understand fundamental elements underlying learning and memory. During his graduate work, Dr. Villareal played a seminal role in establishing a UCLA SACNAS chapter, consulted for a nanotechnology laboratory on campus, and pursued his interests in the business aspects of science. At the community level during his graduate career, he volunteered for many years at the public radio station in Los Angeles, 89.9FM KCRW.

In 2007, Dr. Villareal continued his career in neuroscience with Galenea Corporation, a Massachusetts biotechnology company, and focused on developing novel techniques and therapeutics to treat patients suffering with Schizophrenia. In January 2008, Dr. Villareal became the youngest professional board member in the history of SACNAS and to this date continues to serve as a national liaison for the chapter, membership, and postdoc committees. In 2008, Dr. Villareal co-founded the Industry Advisory Committee, which aims to increase the participation and visibility of the private sector within SACNAS and create more job opportunities for members of SACNAS. He also co-organized the SACNAS postdoc and graduate student reception at the annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Dallas, Texas, and during the summer of 2009 a science policy meeting between SACNAS and state policy advisors from the Texas Governor’s office. Currently, Dr. Villareal serves as Vice President of CAV Bali, a company in Indonesia, where he now manages all aspects of business development and international relations for the company.

To contact the SACNAS Board of Directors email: info@sacnas.org (please include “Board of Directors” in the subject line). For information regarding participation in the leadership of the organization, future SACNAS elections, and nominations procedures, see the elections page.