An SDK update during the npm start step got the recommended SDK version which fixed the process getting stuck in the Expo screen.

This method fixed my issue.

1. Deleted node_modules folder and redid the npm install.

2. Ran npm start

While running the npm start command was prompted for,

Expo Go 2.33.20 is recommended for SDK 53.0.0 (MePh is using null). Learn more: https://docs.expo.dev/get-started/expo-go/#sdk-versions. Install the recommended Expo Go version? ... yes

Uninstalling Expo Go from android device MePh.

Downloading the Expo Go app [================================================================] 100% 0.0s