Staying connected and making an impact: meet Ananya Goyal ’20, volunteer leader and advocate for alumnae empowerment

Meet Bay Area Young Alumni Council Member, 5th Reunion Committee Volunteer, and Women’s Summit Committee Volunteer Ananya Goyal ’20

What Ananya has been up to and reflecting on her time at the University

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now, both personally and professionally?

I am originally from New Delhi, India, and currently a fifth-year PhD. student in bioengineering at Stanford University. My research focuses on developing advanced medical imaging techniques to gain a deeper understanding of joint function, with the goal of uncovering the mechanisms behind osteoarthritis progression and identifying sources of pain for more targeted clinical treatments.

Outside of school, I love traveling, cooking, and discovering new restaurants and cafes. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Japan! I also cherish spending quality time with friends and family, whether it’s going to rock/pop concerts (I can’t wait to see Coldplay in May!), embarking on jungle safaris, or simply relaxing by the beach.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the University of Rochester, and how did your involvement on campus shape your experience?

My time at the University of Rochester was a period of personal growth. Some of my most cherished memories include experiencing snow for the first time in a snowball fight, late-night study sessions at Gleason Library, and bonding with friends over countless Starbucks visits. These relationships remain central to my life today, including my four-year roommate, with whom I still take annual birthday trips.

Involvement on campus also played a huge role in shaping my experience. As a Meridian and Student Alumni Ambassador, I deepened my connection with the university community. Mentoring biomedical engineering students as a peer advisor was especially rewarding, allowing me to guide them through academics and career opportunities. My engagement helped me build a strong network of friends, mentors, and peers, enriching both my personal and professional growth.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you to volunteer with the Young Alumni Council (YAC) and the 5th Reunion Committee, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of helping plan events for your 5th Reunion?

My time at the University of Rochester was deeply meaningful and joining the Young Alumni Council and the 5th Reunion Committee felt like a natural way to stay connected. I built lifelong friendships, grew personally and professionally, and developed a strong bond with the Rochester community. Volunteering now allows me to expand my network and help others maintain that connection.

I’m especially excited about serving on the 5th Reunion Committee because the Class of 2020 graduated during the height of the pandemic, missing out on traditional celebrations. This reunion offers a chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate in person, and I’m thrilled to help create a memorable experience that brings us all together.

With the Women’s Summit in March quickly approaching, what excites you most about this event? How do you see it as an opportunity to empower alumnae and foster meaningful connections across the University community?

I’m excited about the Women’s Summit, March 27-29, 2025, because it brings together a diverse group of alumnae to celebrate women’s achievements and foster meaningful conversations about leadership, growth, and career development. As a young alumna, I’m eager to learn from senior alumnae in academia, industry, and medicine, gaining insights to help me navigate challenges and continue growing in my career. This event offers a chance to connect, share experiences, and build a strong network of mentors and friends.

What lessons have you gained from your leadership roles, and what are some of your favorite experiences as a volunteer?

From my leadership roles, I’ve learned the power of community-building and the deep connection alumni have to the University of Rochester. Creating spaces for alumni to reconnect and support each other has reinforced the idea of a lifelong, supportive network. I’ve also gained valuable skills in adaptability, communication, and collaboration—working with diverse groups of alumni, staff, and volunteers to create meaningful, inclusive events.

Some of my favorite volunteer experiences include the “Welcome to the Network” socials, where we meet new alumni, often at breweries, tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, or even fun activities like a chocolate truffle-making class. I also look forward to the annual holiday party. I’m also excited to attend Broadway’s Back to the Future show this quarter!

Check out the California Regional Network pages including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco on our alumni website.

As part of the Bay Area Young Alumni Council, how have you helped foster community and connections among alumni on the West Coast?

Having moved to the Bay Area during the pandemic, my focus as a member has been to strengthen our community-focused programs. I’ve led several Global Days of Service projects, such as making cards for hospitalized children and volunteering at a community farm. On the social and networking side, I’ve been involved in organizing events in San Francisco, helping to expand and grow our network.

Check out the Bay Area’s Facebook group and Instagram page, as well as the Young Alumni Council’s Instagram page.

How to get involved like Ananya

What advice would you give to recent graduates looking to stay connected with the University and their alumni network?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Transitioning from the University bubble to the real world can feel overwhelming, but the alumni network is a great way to stay connected and supported beyond graduation. The Rochester community is filled with passionate and helpful alumni who are eager to connect, whether they graduated recently or decades ago. Taking the initiative to attend an event or reach out to fellow alumni can open doors to valuable relationships and opportunities.

The university offers a wide range of events and networking opportunities that you might not even be aware of. So, stay informed and get involved. You never know—you might meet future friends, mentors, or even professional connections along the way.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!