Career Exploration Summit 2026

MayLin is an associate principal scientist in the Oral Formulation Sciences team at Merck & Co., Inc., where she works on drug product development of oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules). MayLin started her career journey at the University of Rochester, where she earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biology and a concentration in Chinese language. During her time at URochester, she served on the executive board of Tau Beta Pi for 2 years and completed two internships: one at Xerox and one in Professor David Wu’s lab in the Chemical Engineering department. She was very active in teaching and mentorship, leading workshops/TA-ing for organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and chemical engineering. She also spent a summer developing workshop content for the Biochemistry Honors course at URochester. While at URochester, she received the ACEC NY Scholarship Award and was inducted to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Order of the Engineer. After graduating from URochester, she earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering at MIT in Professor Paula Hammond’s lab, with research focusing on controlled delivery of growth factor proteins from biodegradable implants for craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration. She also completed business & economics classes at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Outside of classes and research, she served on the executive board of Graduate Women at MIT, volunteered in a peer counseling group in the Chemical Engineering department, and collaborated with the Harvard Graduate Women in Sciences & Engineering group to develop & deliver mentorship programing for young students in India interested in STEM. Connect with MayLin on LinkedIn.

Rey Zhang ’22 is a University of Rochester alumnus currently working in data and product operations at a global, algorithm-driven short-form video platform. His work focuses on supporting large-scale data platforms and analytics systems that power consumer-facing products used by hundreds of millions of users worldwide.During his undergraduate years at Rochester, Rey actively explored entrepreneurship and applied learning. Starting in his sophomore year, he co-founded a student startup dating app, gaining hands-on experience in building and iterating on an early-stage product. As a senior in the Digital Media Studies (DMS) program, he worked with a state-level nonprofit organization to support website operations and digital marketing as part of a capstone-style project.Rey also participated in the E5 entrepreneurship program, where his team partnered with the Admissions Office to design solutions aimed at improving services and experiences for international students. In this session, he will reflect on his undergraduate journey and share practical lessons on exploring interests, and making the most of opportunities early in college. Connect with Rey on LinkedIn.

Eugene Nichols, III ’20 is an Investment Compliance Analyst at The Northern Trust Company in Chicago, where he oversees and manages employee investment activity, risk remediation, and adherence to the firm’s Code of Ethics. While at the University of Rochester, Eugene was actively involved in The Meridian Society, Student Alumni Ambassadors, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Looking ahead, he hopes to leverage his experience in compliance toward a career as a securities attorney. Connect with Eugene on LinkedIn.

Aleksa graduated from URochester in 2024 with a degree in Computer Science. During university, Aleksa interned at Credit Karma, FiscalNote and Microsoft. After graduation, he moved to NYC to work at Microsoft Azure where he is developing infrastructure for private clouds. Connect with Aleksa on LinkedIn.

Seiji studied International Relations at the University of Rochester and Jazz Piano Performance at the Eastman School of Music. While in Rochester, he worked as a professional musician and was part of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. He served as Eastman Student Body Vice President from 2017 to 2018 and was a Rochester Urban Fellow. Seiji earned a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School in 2021. Connect with Seiji on LinkedIn.

Moeed Baradaran ’23 is an analyst at Goldman Sachs, a global investment bank. Moeed is part of the Global Banking and Markets division, working on fixed income products. Studying in Rochester as an international student, Moeed rowed at the URochester’s Men’s Crew, worked as a tutor at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), and was involved in the Committee for Political Engagement (CPE). Connect with Moeed on LinkedIn.

Alex Cunningham ’18 graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.A. in Studio Art and Business. After graduating, Alex worked at a digital media agency in New York City. Agency-side, she planned paid digital marketing for a variety of client categories, including financial services, wine & beer, and beauty. Currently, she is a digital media coordinator at Wegmans Food Markets, living in Rochester. While at URochester, Alex was a member of the sorority Gamma Phi Beta, serving as Public Relations Vice President her junior year. She credits her sorority experience and studio art program for providing a strong foundation for life after university. Connect with Alex on LinkedIn.

Naven ’19, MS ’20 leads analytics transformations in pricing and growth for McKinsey’s B2B clients. He previously worked as a Product Data Scientist at AI Zwei, where he built chat agents to automate ML model development.​ While at the University of Rochester, Naven was a Xerox Fellow and a Research Assistant in ROC HCI Lab where he published peer-reviewed research on deception detection and debates. He also served as a First Year Resident Advisor and was an active member of multiple affinity clubs on campus. Connect with Naven on LinkedIn

Bethany Beru ’24 is a Legal Support Analyst/Paralegal with the New York State Office of the Attorney General, where she works in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the largest unit within the Criminal Division, investigating Medicaid fraud and protecting elderly and disabled New Yorkers from abuse and neglect. Bethany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with minors in Legal Studies and American Sign Language (ASL). As a first-generation college graduate, she previously interned in Sales and Trading at Deutsche Bank and has gained legal and public service experience through political campaign work, a judicial internship at Monroe County Court, and as a legal assistant at a workers’ compensation law firm. Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn.

Victoria Liverpool is a communications and strategy professional working at the intersection of climate and energy policy as well as social impact. She recently served as a Hazel M. Johnson Fellow with Hip Hop Caucus, where she supported storytelling and communications efforts for environmental justice campaigns and civic engagement initiatives. Victoria also brings several years of experience in luxury fashion marketing, having worked with brands including Zegna, Altuzarra, and Jimmy Choo. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in Environment and Energy Policy at New York University, where her academic interests include nuclear energy policy, energy security and equitable climate transitions. Victoria received her B.A. in International Relations from the University of Rochester where she was actively involved in research, leadership, and community engagement initiatives. While a student she served as President of the 2022 Class Council, a Senator, and worked as a student mediator at the NY Attorney General Office. She remains deeply connected to the University of Rochester community as an alumna and is passionate about mentoring students. Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn.

Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn.

Pericles Gadri ’24 is a Technology, Media & Telecom Investment Banker at Bank of America in New York, where he has worked on transactions ranging from $750 million to $40 billion across software, fintech and technology sectors. Notable transactions include a $906 million fintech IPO and a $750 million forward equity placement. He is currently advising on a $40 billion AI infrastructure financing in the data center space.Pericles graduated from Rochester in 2024 with a BA in Business and a BS in Computational Biology and was a recipient of the Take Five Scholarship. Before banking, he gained experience in emerging markets credit trading at Tradeweb Markets and software engineering through SEO. He’s also building several tech ventures including ExecIntern and PriceNinja.Originally from Ghana, Pericles is passionate about finance, entrepreneurship and helping students navigate finance recruiting. He’s excited to share his journey from pre-med to investment banking. Connect with Pericles on LinkedIn.

Connect with Henry on LinkedIn.

Manyang Piyin is a Global Quantitative Data Analytics professional at Bank of America (BoA), where he works as a Quantitative Data Analyst. He applies skills from his Electrical and Computer Engineering background, including Python, machine learning, and statistics, to build, validate, and analyze quantitative models that support data-driven decision-making.Prior to his full-time role, Manyang interned at Bank of America twice, gaining hands-on experience across quantitative and analytics teams.During his sophomore year, Manyang founded and led a Transformational Leadership Program in Kakuma Refugee Camp with the goal of helping young adults gain clarity of purpose and a renewed sense of hope while navigating life in a challenging environment. The program reached over 2000 students, and as a direct outcome, 20 got scholarships to study outside of the camp within Kenya, 3 participants earned scholarships to Canadian universities, while 2 gained admission to U.S. colleges.While in school, Manyang held several leadership and academic support roles, including serving as a Teaching Assistant for Calculus 141, Biology 110, and CS 171, and working as a Student Technical Consultant at the university IT center. He was also a member of the men’s basketball club for one season. Manyang plans to continue his education and intends to enroll in graduate school within the next two years, pursuing an MS in Cybersecurity. Connect with Manyang on LinkedIn.

Travis is a member of the graduating class of 2013, where he majored in Political Science and History. While at URochester, Travis was also a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, worked in the Common Market, and served as a Student Alumni Ambassador. Travis did not go directly to law school from college, but first worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Manhattan for a year, and ADP in Rochester for three years – both in sales-related positions. After getting an exposure to the field of employment law while working at ADP, Travis decided to pursue a career in law, which had always been a strong consideration of his. Travis graduated from the Syracuse University College of Law in 2020, and is now in his sixth year practicing law as a labor and employment attorney, and commercial litigator. Connect with Travis on LinkedIn.

Ananya Goyal ’20 is a Ph.D. candidate in Bioengineering at Stanford University, where she uses advanced medical imaging to study joint function and osteoarthritis progression. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester, where she served as President of the Biomedical Engineering Society, conducted biomechanics research, worked as a teaching assistant and CTL tutor, and was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. She was also actively involved in campus leadership through the Meridien Society and Student Alumni Ambassadors program. Connect with Ananya on LinkedIn.

Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn.

Brendan is an HR Associate at First Eagle Investments. Prior to joining First Eagle, Brendan served as a Benefits Analyst and an Associate HRIS Analyst at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he managed benefit plans, automated data delivery through HR dashboards, and maintained system data integrity. He began his professional career in various roles, including as an Associate at Third Bridge Group Limited, an Operations Coordinator at Atlantic Group, and an International Student Advisor at the University of Rochester.Brendan is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Analytics from Columbia University School of Professional Studies and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Rochester. During his undergraduate years, Brendan was highly active in campus life, participating in Greek Life and the Outing Club, serving as an Orientation Leader, and serving as a Teaching Assistant for the Rising Leader Class. Additionally, he was a member of the Communications and Game Operations Staff for the Athletics Department and worked as an Events Team Assistant for Wilson Commons Student Activities.His academic and leadership contributions were recognized with the Alice DeSimone Student Leadership Award and the Richard and Nancy Fenno Fellowship, which allowed him to complete an internship with a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. Brendan also gained international experience through a study abroad program at Vesalius College and a business development internship in Brussels. Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn.

Alyssa graduated with a BS in Neuroscience and BA in Psychology from the University of Rochester, where she was heavily involved with campus organizations, research and community engagement. As a student, Alyssa held several leadership positions in Sigma Delta Tau, the Minority Association of Premedical Students and Xclusive Step Team while working at the Common Market/Spurrier and as a Research Assistant in the Dept. of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology and the YR2 Lab. Prior to graduating, Alyssa took some time off from URochester, during which she worked as an EMT for the City of Rochester for nearly 3 years, and was recognized as the Monroe-Livingston Regional Basic Life Support Provider of the Year (2021) and the New York State Basic Life Support Provider of the Year (2022). Currently, Alyssa is a human subjects research coordinator for the University of Rochester Medical Center under Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun on projects related to substance use. She is working to continue her education in pursuit of an MS in Anesthesia. Alyssa believes that our educational and professional journeys are not always linear and are unique to each individual. She’s looking forward to sharing her story of academic and personal resilience. Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn.

Connect with Elliot on LinkedIn.

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.