Four EOF Scholars Who Changed the World This Summer

Saint Elizabeth University students transformed their summer experiences into opportunities for scientific discovery, service, leadership, and cultural connection.

Changing the world does not always begin with a grand gesture. Sometimes, it begins by conducting research in the Rocky Mountains, mentoring a young person, supporting a child with autism, or welcoming an international visitor. This summer, four Saint Elizabeth University Educational Opportunity Fund scholars demonstrated that meaningful change happens whenever students use their talents to serve others, strengthen communities, and expand knowledge.

Tyler Andersen-Mayes: Bringing Science to Life

Tyler Andersen-Mayes, an EOF senior majoring in Biology, traveled to Colorado for a three-week Ecosystem Field Studies course in the Rocky Mountains. The immersive program allowed Tyler to camp, hike, study ecosystems, and practice scientific field-research methods alongside approximately 16 other students from around the world.

After learning different methods of scientific observation and experimentation, Tyler designed and conducted an independent field study examining vertebrates across different ecological communities. His observations included reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and fish.

The opportunity was introduced to Tyler by Dr. Grant of Saint Elizabeth University. In Colorado, he worked with EcoFS Director Steve Johnson, Dr. MacKenzie Caple, and fellow student scientists. The program transformed the natural environment into Tyler’s classroom and allowed him to apply concepts from his biology courses to original field research.

Tyler returned to Saint Elizabeth University with stronger scientific skills, greater confidence, and a clearer understanding of possible career paths. He also proudly represented SEU and EOF within a diverse community of emerging scientists.

Fallon Jean-Louis: Connecting with the World

Fallon Jean-Louis, an EOF sophomore majoring in Business Administration, balanced two jobs this summer. In addition to working at Rita’s Italian Ice, she served guests in the VIP lounges during the FIFA World Cup.

The international event gave Fallon an opportunity to meet and assist visitors from Argentina, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. Each conversation introduced her to a different culture and broadened her understanding of the world.

“I got to talk to a bunch of different people,” Fallon shared. “It was super cool.”

Through hospitality and excellent customer service, Fallon represented herself, Saint Elizabeth University, and the EOF program before an international audience. The experience also strengthened the communication and interpersonal skills that will support her future career in business.

Sasha Green: Returning to Lead

Sasha Green, an EOF sophomore double majoring in Criminal Justice and Social Work with a minor in Communication, spent her summer serving as a supervisor with the Partnership for West Side High School.

Sasha helped monitor student work sites and supervised incoming interns. She guided students in completing their responsibilities, assisted them with résumés, and helped ensure that daily operations ran smoothly. She also supported preparations for the organization’s annual Christmas tree giveaway by researching tree stands, lights, and other supplies.

The Partnership champions educational equity in Newark through academic support, college preparation, workforce development, and community engagement. For Sasha, the work was deeply personal: she graduated from West Side High School and previously participated in its summer youth employment program. Under the mentorship of Marquis “Mr. Peppers” Peppers, she returned not as a participant, but as a leader.

Sasha’s journey illustrates the power of mentorship. The student who once benefited from an opportunity is now helping younger students prepare résumés, develop workplace skills, and recognize their own potential.

Nyjier Lewis: Providing Compassionate Support

Nyjier Lewis, an EOF sophomore majoring in Psychology, worked with children with autism through Nassan’s Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families affected by autism in underserved communities.

During the organization’s summer program at George Washington Carver Elementary School in Newark, Nyjier worked as a classroom assistant. Some children required one-to-one support, making patience, careful observation, and consistency essential.

Nyjier learned each child’s habits and individual needs while helping them move through the day safely and calmly. The experience gave him a deeper understanding of working with children and strengthened an important quality for any future psychology professional.

“It definitely helped temper my patience,” he explained.

Nyjier changed the world through quiet, compassionate service. By helping children feel safe, supported, and understood, he also provided meaningful assistance to their families and the professionals serving them.

The EOF Advantage in Action

Tyler, Fallon, Sasha, and Nyjier followed four different paths this summer, but their experiences were united by a commitment to growth and service. Tyler contributed to scientific understanding through field research. Fallon built connections across cultures. Sasha invested in the next generation of Newark students. Nyjier supported children and families affected by autism.

These scholars remind us that changing the world is not reserved for people with impressive titles or unlimited resources. It begins with showing up, accepting responsibility, serving with compassion, and using every opportunity to make life better for someone else.

This is the EOF Advantage in action: helping students recognize their gifts, gain meaningful professional experiences, and become leaders who transform their communities and ultimately the world.