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Simons STEM Scholars Program
HomeSimons Scholar ProfileSimons Scholars Profile - Jaylynn Elias

JaylynnElias

Image of Jaylynn Elias

Cohort 1

Hometown: Rockaway Beach Queens, NY

Major: Chemical and Molecular Engineering

Year: Junior

High School: The Scholars Academy

Biography:

Jaylynn plans on studying neuroscience, psychology and human behavior, environmental studies, nanoscale studies, and materials interaction with the environment in their time at Stony Brook. In their free time, Jaylynn likes to read books about the brain/mind and human behavior, go to the gym, skateboard, listen to music, and occasionally crochet. Before becoming a Simons STEM Scholar, Jaylynn was the President of the Future Engineers Club at their high school. Jaylynn is most excited about learning as much as possible not only in academics but about everyone in the Stony Brook community along with getting involved in as much as they possibly can in clubs, community service and many different research projects.

Leading the Future:

“I want to find better ways to battle climate change, and create a greener and healthier relationship between man made materials and the environment.”

Why did you become a Simons STEM Scholar?:

“To fulfill my desire to be a part of a true community where I know I would be supported and I could support those around me. At Simons I knew I would be more than just another college student, however, I did not expect to be a part of such a tight-knit family that will support me through anything. I became a Simons STEM Scholar to make a difference, learn how to fulfill my sense of curiosity, and better help my peers.”

What would you say to someone who is applying?:

“If you want to be a part of a family as opposed to being just another college student, Simons is the program for that. The Simons STEM Scholar program will teach you that you are capable of so much more than you think, and I promise you that is one great feeling. The choice to apply is definitely one I strongly encourage you to make.”

Research Experiences:

Fall 23' / Spring 24' - Stony Brook University, Under Dr. Maya Endoh "Enzymatic Degradation of Polylactic Acid" Summer 24' - Stony Brook University, Under Dr Maya Endoh within the Explorations in STEM Research Program, "Surface Structural Analysis of Polylactic Acid at Biointerface" Fall 24' / Spring 25' - Stony Brook University, Under Dr. Maya Endoh, "Surface Structural Analysis of Polylactic Acid at Biointerface" Winter 25' - Turkana Basin Institute, Under Dr. Dino Martin, Dr. Gregory Henkes, Dr. Marin Frouin, Dr. Gabrielle Russo , "Analyzing ecological patterns, paleontological discoveries, and geological trends spanning 14 million years"Summer 25' - Stony Brook University, Under Dr. Maya Endoh within the SUNY SOAR Program,  "Surface Structural Analysis of Polylactic Acid at Biointerface" I have attended the American Chemical Society Conference, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Spring of 2024. I have presented a research poster at the American Physical Society Conference in Anaheim California, Spring of 2025.