Melinda Bechtel joined UNLV during 1998 as a part-time instructor and became a full-time faculty member in 2005. She helped bolster the ultrasound program by increasing the number of required clinical hours students had to complete, opening a training lab, and implementing tougher graduation requirements. Her changes have made students registry-eligible to take the board exams.

Outside of the university, Bechtel dedicated 25 years to the United States Navy Reserves working in explosive ordinance disposal, the inspector general’s office, and other specialized areas. She has also served as an election volunteer for Clark County for the past few years.