Mercer Times

Elyse Ryan, a nursing student with a minor in public health, recently completed an 18-day trip where she provided care in areas lacking basic amenities such as running water and consistent electricity. Reflecting on her experience, Ryan stated, “I like to be able to provide what I can, and learn from others.” She described the community experience as invaluable and expressed her intention to return in the future.

Back home, Ryan is involved in research with nursing professor Vicki Brzoza and Homefront NJ, a local non-profit organization. Their work focuses on breast cancer education and screening for individuals temporarily without housing. The research identified a gap in communication about available health resources for underserved populations.

Ryan and Brzoza are scheduled to present their findings at an upcoming nursing research conference in Philadelphia this April. They have also submitted their research to a national nursing journal for publication consideration.