WEST LAFAYETTE, IN, January 07, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Graham Pierce Lyon has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Lyon's life and work reflect a consistent commitment to learning, leadership, and service formed early and refined over time. He grew up in Elmira, New York, where he attended Holy Family Catholic Schools before graduating from Elmira Free Academy with an Advanced Regents Diploma. As a student-athlete, he served as captain of his varsity swim team and earned the team's Most Valuable Player award. His early leadership was recognized through the Rotary Youth Salute for a top leadership essay, and his character and dedication to service were further affirmed when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through Scouting America in 2005.

Dr. Lyon pursued his undergraduate education at the University at Buffalo, graduating in 2015 as an Advanced Honors Scholar. He completed a rigorous triple major in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, along with a minor in teacher education. During this time, he received awards for excellence in undergraduate research, high distinction in chemistry, and high honors in physics, including recognition for research focused on high-temperature superconductivity. He also served as lead tutor at the Academic Resource Center and dedicated significant time to the Buffalo Public School system through science and engineering outreach programs. Initially influenced by his father's career in dentistry and drawn toward biomedical science, Dr. Lyon discovered his vocation for teaching while tutoring peers and supporting underserved students, prompting a decisive shift toward education.

In 2015, Dr. Lyon moved to Indiana to pursue a specialized master's program in curriculum and instruction at Purdue University, completing his degree in 2017. During this period, he taught at Seeger Memorial Junior–Senior High School and later at Tri-County Junior–Senior High School, where he instructed courses including physics, chemistry, geometry, and calculus. His teaching emphasized both academic rigor and personal growth, reflecting an emerging philosophy that learning should be meaningful, applied, and formative.

Dr. Lyon's commitment to education extended beyond traditional classrooms. From 2012 to 2015, he served as an instructor and coach at the Michael Phelps Swim School, supporting youth development through athletics and mentorship. These experiences, along with his love for outdoor activities, physical training, and hands-on learning, reinforced his belief that education must engage both mind and body, forming the whole person rather than simply transmitting content.

In 2019, Dr. Lyon returned to Purdue University to pursue doctoral studies in curriculum and instruction. During his doctoral work, he contributed extensively across multiple colleges within the university. He served as an advisor and graduate teaching assistant with the Engineering Projects in Community Service program, mentoring interdisciplinary student teams as they addressed real-world community needs. He also worked within the Department of Physics and Astronomy as a graduate teaching assistant, facilitating laboratory instruction and scientific inquiry, and supported teacher preparation and curriculum development through the College of Education. His broader engagement included work with Purdue's Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute and as an education contractor supporting academic initiatives from 2015 through 2023.

Dr. Lyon completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction in 2023. His dissertation examined authentic learning within Purdue University's EPICS program, integrating research with lived classroom experience and reinforcing his conviction that education is most powerful when students engage in meaningful, real-world work. That same year, his teaching excellence and leadership were recognized with the Sidney Marsh Moon Teacher Award from Purdue University.

In 2020, amid professional and personal challenges, Dr. Lyon experienced a profound spiritual awakening that clarified his sense of purpose and calling. This moment became the catalyst for founding School Alive™ in 2022, a Christ-centered micro school planted with the support of Church Alive, a separate organization that provided space and encouragement as the school took root. As founder and president, Dr. Lyon established a learning environment rooted in biblical principles of identity, character, and stewardship, while reimagining education as a partnership between home, church, and community.

At School Alive™, Dr. Lyon advanced an educational vision that moves beyond STEM, STEAM, and STREAM through HAMSTER™, an acronym encompassing Healthcare, Art, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Religion. This vision is fully realized through Authentic HAMSTER Education™, an integrated approach with Passion at the center. The framework emphasizes authentic learning experiences grounded in purpose, virtue, and real-world application. Teachers function as coaches, guiding students from pre-kindergarten through high school toward both academic mastery and the discovery, direction, and dedication of their God-given callings—learning, in Dr. Lyon's words, how to pick up your cross and Ignite Your Passion™ with clarity, courage, and commitment.

Alongside his work at School Alive™, Dr. Lyon continues contributing to higher education. He has served as an instructor at Purdue University since 2023 and has been affiliated with Purdue's Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute since 2021. From 2022 to 2023, he served as an instructor and graduate teaching assistant in the College of Education, supporting teacher preparation and learning theory. His work reflects a consistent commitment to bridging research, practice, and policy.

Dr. Lyon's leadership and service have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Education 2.0 Conference in 2024, where he was invited to speak on the global stage, the Distinguished Ambassador Award from the Institute for Quality Education in 2025, and the Patriot Award from the United States Department of Defense in 2025 for his support of service members and their families. In 2025, he was also selected as an Honored Listee in Who's Who in America. He holds a Professional Educator's License issued by the State of Indiana and is a graduate of the School of Kingdom Ministry.

Beyond administration and teaching, Dr. Lyon is an author committed to making complex ideas accessible, joyful, and memorable. He published his doctoral dissertation and is preparing a growing collection of educational books written in a playful yet purposeful style inspired by Dr. Seuss, designed to invite wonder while conveying rigorous ideas. His Journey Through series debuted with Journey Through You, which explores twelve human body systems, followed by Journey Through Christmas, examining the meaning behind Christmas traditions across twelve days.

Dr. Lyon's work extends into civic engagement and advocacy. He serves as an ambassador for the Institute for Quality Education, promoting educational excellence, parental rights, and innovation across Indiana and beyond.

Despite professional achievements, Dr. Lyon measures success not by titles or awards, but by faithfulness to his calling. He regards his roles as a Christian, husband, and father as his greatest responsibilities and achievements, believing that education at its best helps individuals live with purpose, humility, and resolve.

Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Lyon enjoys writing, swimming, outdoor activities, and time spent with his family—pursuits that reflect his belief that a full life integrates intellect, faith, physical vitality, and relationship.

Looking ahead, Dr. Lyon envisions establishing a dedicated facility for School Alive™ to further support its innovative educational model while maintaining independence and mission clarity. He also plans to expand the school's reach locally and globally through strategic partnerships and digital platforms.

With his wife and three children as daily inspiration, Dr. Lyon remains devoted to cultivating authentic education that prepares students not only for academic success, but for lives marked by character, conviction, and service.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #