Hello, my name is Dan Lykens. I am an electrical-mechanical dual major at Wilkes University. I also have minors in integrative media, computer engineering, and physics. This semester, I am participating in a brand new program Wilkes is offering in Mesa Arizona.

Called by SiMesa, the program is a unique experience for juniors at Wilkes, where they go to school at the Wilkes Mesa campus and intern at unique companies in the area. There’s always something to do here between work, school and play.

Wilkes’ SiMesa program is a new and exciting change for undergrads. The area is booming between Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix. That being said, new jobs are opening up everywhere. For those who are unfamiliar with the details, the City of Mesa and Wilkes are helping students take advantage of this golden opportunity by giving them a brand new school building to study in while they work their internships.

It is a unique program that allows students to get real-world experience outside of the Wilkes-Barre area while giving them classes needed in the curriculum. I know in the engineering curriculum; it is very hard to leave campus for a semester, so we are limited to internships at companies in the surrounding area. With this new program, our opportunities grow, and we are capable of much more.

This is perfect for me, as I like staying busy. I am constantly moving. In my small amount of free time, I enjoy running for the Wilkes cross country team and making music. I also enjoy photography, as I take pictures for the beacon as well as the engineering department.

I am originally from Reading, Pa., a short drive from Wilkes, a long drive from Mesa. The excitement of traveling and trying new things has always enthralled me, so I am excited to have the opportunity to spend a semester in sunny Mesa, Az., studying at Wilkes Mesa and interning at Entrepix, a semiconductor equipment company.

I am having a blast now but eager for what is yet to come. Stay tuned for more.