Date March 17, 2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Joy Zheng ’21 leads the way in giving back

As a volunteer for the Brown Annual Fund, Zheng is using her voice to inspire her classmates to support experiences that made their time on campus special.

Joy wears a graduation gown and holds a cap while standing near an ornate gate. The background features a blurred cityscape. The text on the graphic reads "BROWN VOLUNTEER" and "Joy Zheng '21".When Joy Zheng ’21 thinks back to her days on College Hill, she is heartened by the generosity of Brunonians who came before her. 

She remembers the dedicated alumni from the Women’s Launch Pad who provided mentorship, as well as graduating seniors from physics and other STEM-based student groups who offered guidance as she navigated her academic journey. 

After graduation, she knew she wanted to carry on the tradition of paying it forward for the next generation of students.

One way she is making a difference is by volunteering for the Brown Annual Fund (BAF). Donor support for BAF provides the immediate-use funding that fuels the Brown experience, from financial aid to athletics to the professional schools and much more. 

Zheng, who is celebrating her 5th Reunion this year, serves on the BAF Reunion Gift Committee for the Class of 2021. Every Reunion, returning classes set ambitious dollar and participation goals for their Reunion Class Gift. It's a way to celebrate their love for Brown and have a meaningful impact on today's students. In her volunteer role, Zheng engages in outreach to inspire classmates to reconnect and contribute to the Reunion Class Gift, which is celebrated over Reunion Weekend.  

“Being a 5th Reunion Gift Committee member is a privilege,” she said. “I am able to connect with my classmates who are eager to return to campus and reconnect with our roots.” 

In honor of BAF Volunteer Appreciation Month, we caught up with Zheng to learn more about her love of volunteering and what supporting Brown means to her.

What inspired you to become a volunteer for the Brown Annual Fund?

I started volunteering for the Brown Annual Fund Student Committee as a first-year student and had a lot of fun connecting with other students and helping to organize campus events on giving days like Pay it Forward Day. After graduation, I developed a deep appreciation for how amazing my academic and social experience was throughout my four years at Brown. I love to pay it forward so future Brunonians can have the same great experience that I once had.

“ After graduation, I developed a deep appreciation for how amazing my academic and social experience was throughout my four years at Brown. I love to pay it forward so future Brunonians can have the same great experience that I once had. ”

Were there other experiences that fostered your passion for Brown?

I was a campus tour guide and physical sciences tour guide for three years when I was in college. I truly enjoyed sharing my college experiences and application journey, as well as showing our beautiful campus to prospective students and parents. I also learned so many fun facts and history about Brown in the process.

How has volunteering impacted your personal and/or professional life?

Volunteering has made me more empathetic. Talking to students and alumni at campus events and reaching out to alums over email also helped me develop communication skills. 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering and how has it helped you to stay connected to Brown and fellow alumni?

I enjoy connecting with alumni the most. Every time I reach out to fellow alumni or meet them in real life, we always end up discussing our shared experiences at Brown and in Providence, from fun Spring Weekend shenanigans to long nights studying at the Rock or SciLi. I feel transported back to campus and it always brings back much joy. 

Who are you when you aren't volunteering for Brown?

I am a PhD candidate at Princeton studying experimental condensed matter physics. Outside of the lab, I love running, swimming, traveling, reading and writing science fiction, and listening to music, especially Norwegian rap. 

Is there anything happening at Brown right now that you’re especially energized by? 

As an experimental physics PhD researcher, I closely follow the amazing results produced by researchers at Brown, especially from my previous physics professors' labs. From bacterial swarming behavior by Professor Jay Tang to new quantum effects in graphene by Professor Jia Li, I am constantly inspired by the innovation and creativity of Brown researchers. I am also excited to see that Brown has been hosting AI “winter schools” that connect researchers across disciplines who are using AI for science and physics. 

I also look forward to seeing the cool, artistic, entrepreneurial, and scientific projects that Brown students create. 

What advice would you give to those considering volunteering? 

The most important thing is to have fun volunteering! Reflect on why you love Brown and share your favorite memories and fun stories when connecting with fellow Brunonians. Those personal touches make volunteering feel meaningful and joyful.