Board Member Profile

Anne Megaro, Ph.D.


University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Land-Based Learning Board Member Anne MegaroAnne is the Government and Community Relations Director for the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). Serving as the extension arm of the university, UC ANR engages in research, education, and public service through 13 statewide programs and institutes including UC Cooperative Extension, 4-H Youth Development, UC Master Gardeners, UC Integrated Pest Management, and UC California Naturalists. Anne supports scientists and staff in sharing their work with elected officials and community leaders and encourages them to engage in evidence-based policymaking.

Born into a family with a long history of farming in Yolo County, Anne appreciates the hard work and sacrifices required of farmers and their families. Her grandfather, with his tough, creased, and weathered hands, and warm bright smile, showed her what it meant to be a farmer. Her mother still talks of summers working on the tomato harvester and riding her horse in the Woodland countryside. Coupled with her father's love of all things dairy, Anne fell in love with farm animals and chose to pursue a career that supports agriculture and nutrition. Anne earned her B.S. in Animal Science and Management from the University of California, Davis and her Ph.D. in Animal Science from Cornell University. Her doctoral research focused on bioactive fatty acids in milk and their impact on human health.

Upon graduation, Anne began her work in public policy when she was competitively selected for the AAAS Science and Technology Fellowship in Washington, D.C. When the fellowship ended, she moved back to her home state and continued her career as the Consultant to the California State Senate Committee on Agriculture. With the desire to serve as a liaison between scientists and government entities on issues involving agriculture, Anne accepted her current position where she enjoys increasing awareness and support for UC ANR with government officials and community leaders throughout the state.

Anne lives in Davis with her loving husband, two amazing children, and beloved English Labrador. Anne is on the Parish Council at St. James Church, she enjoys singing whenever possible, and when her husband can't find her, he knows to look in the vegetable garden. One day, she hopes to add a small flock of chickens to their family.