A journey defined by resilience

By Michael R. Malone [email protected] 05-06-2026

Even as a child, Anais Moyal was drawn to the sciences, fascinated by how the human body works and its complex mechanics. She enjoyed sports, too, and like some who play, was injured and wound up in the hospital, an experience that spurred even more curiosity about science and how it aids in healing.

Then at 14, while riding her bike near her home in Bay Harbor, a town in northeastern Miami-Dade County, Moyal was hit by a car. The accident resulted in injuries that have never healed, a series of surgeries, and a shift in the trajectory of her life. Yet despite the neurological damage to her shoulders, arms, and hands-she has only limited use of one hand-Moyal is graduating this spring with a degree in biochemistry.

"My journey toward graduation has been long, and a lot of things have happened. I've had multiple surgeries, suffered more than one concussion, we went through COVID, we had a hurricane my first semester that closed down campus-things have been crazy," said Moyal.

Because of her accident and resulting condition, Moyal completed her high school studies online. When it came time for college, the U was her only choice and she now graduates with a degree in biochemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences.

"All my doctors were concentrated here in the Gables, and really, out of convenience and necessity, I only applied to UM, which was absolutely crazy," Moyal remembered.

It was her mother, in fact, who clicked to enter her application submission. On that same day, Moyal was undergoing major surgery to address issues related to thoracic outlet syndrome, a painful disorder caused by compression of the nerves.

The arrival of her service dog, Luna, as her companion on campus while she was in her third year of studies was "a game changer." Luna had been in training for two years.

"I definitely felt more confident, more secure, and was just able to do more because I had her help," Moyal explained.

Along with that dose of confidence came a major degree of physical security as well.

"I suffer from epilepsy, and the seizures are very unpredictable. There are certain times when I have one and fall-one time during COVID was an especially bad one where I hit my head," Moyal noted. "I'm really lucky that I have Luna because she's able to let me know before I have a seizure so that I don't have those falls."

Service dogs like Luna are trained to detect changes that occur in an individual just before an epileptic seizure or other emergency medical condition.

"She signals to me-at least a minute or so in advance-so that I'm not collapsing in the middle of the street and can get to a safe place. She is absolutely brilliant and a game changer, not only for me but for my family too."

In 2022, while persevering with her classes Moyal saw the need to create Disabilities Ambassadors, a student organization.

"We have the Office of Disability Services, which does a fantastic job, but we wanted to create something for students with disabilities to give them a space socially-to put on events, have meetings, and get everyone together," Moyal explained.

"We wanted to make sure that we're giving our disabled students a community because not all programming and not all things on campus are designed for our disabled students. We want to make sure that our students are prepared and have the same opportunities and abilities to get involved, especially if they want to get involved in some leadership role," added Moyal, who has remained in a leadership position with the club.

A recent auction event, for which the club teamed with the Beta Tau chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia men's fraternity and the nonprofit Project Insulin, which Moyal's brother had launched in Boston, raised $2,500-an amount matched with an additional $2,500-to raise awareness about the exorbitant cost of insulin for those with diabetes.

Michael Gaines, assistant provost for pre-health advising and mentoring at the College of Arts and Sciences, has played a critical role in supporting Moyal's march toward graduation. A professor in her first semester, Gaines has served as her mentor, and Moyal is a recipient of the Nathan R. Gaines Scholarship which honors Gaines' late son.

"I have such tremendous respect for Anais' ability to just keep going, for not complaining about her situation, and for developing a stoic attitude that 'this-is-my-life-and-I'm-dealing-with-it.' Her ability to not feel sorry for herself and to push on have made her the most special of students," Gaines said.

While Moyal's degree has stretched to nearly eight years, Gaines emphasized that the timeframe means little.

"How do you measure success? For me, Anais is more successful than a lot of people, and her degree has more value," Gaines said. "Her resilience is so inspirational, dealing with life's problems and not giving up."

Mykel Billups, assistant dean and executive director of the Academic Resource Center, likewise marvels at Moyal's perseverance and grit.

"I've never seen such a commitment. Most students would take a different route to not have to face the challenges that life has thrown at her, but she has persisted," Billups said. "I'm in awe of what she has accomplished, despite what the world has thrown at her.

Moyal welcomed the support of both her mentor and Billups, who she called her "biggest champion."

"When I first came to see the U, we didn't go on the tour but instead went straight to the Office of Disability Services because we knew what we were getting into. Dr. Billups has been instrumental in my success here. She took the time to truly understand my condition and what I would need in terms of academic and all other accommodations. She definitely created a very lasting relationship with both me and my mom."

Moyal likewise credited her family and especially her mother, Anat, for their backing.

"I've been really lucky in that I have a fantastic family support system. Often it takes a long time to get diagnosed, and a lot of times there's doubt that comes with that-where parents won't believe kids or doctors think it's all in your head.

"But my mom, originally from Israel, has all along been the 'take-charge-make-sure-things-are-taken-care-of person.' She's supported me through college and everything; without her, I wouldn't have made it," Moyal said.

Moyal plans for a gap year after graduation to address aspects of her medical condition. She envisions a future where she continues her bioinformatics laboratory work, earns a Ph.D., and attends medical school.

"Hopefully, in my Ph.D. work, I'll be able to study complex regional pain syndrome that is part of my condition. At this point, it doesn't have a cure, and I want to study it to see how we can progress the science," Moyal said.