Academic Awards

Amanda Roxby

Amanda Roxby is a Political Science major with minors in Legal Studies, International Relations and Policy Studies. Her capstone evaluates how differing types of primary election methods impact the level of political polarization in the United States, including methods that are more likely to produce higher and lower levels of political polarization. She is a member of the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha and served as president of the Wilkes University Pre-Law Society. She interned at the Domestic Violence Service Center in Wilkes Barre where she assisted Center attorneys with case file. Amanda will attend law school in the Fall.

Ethan Warner

Ethan Warner is a psychology major, sociology minor, and a member of the Wilkes Honors Program. For his senior capstone project, Ethan investigated the effects of cognitive dissonance on people’s willingness to eat meat. Ethan also held internships with the New Roots Recovery Center and the Neurotraining Center at Wilkes University. He participated in a study abroad trip to Europe to learn about the history of psychology. Ethan was an active member of the Wilkes chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor’s society for psychology, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Wilkes Psychology Club. He provided outreach to the community by helping local Girl Scouts earn their mental health awareness badge. In the fall, Ethan will attend Marywood University as a student in the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology Program. In his free time, Ethan enjoys working as a baseball trainer with local children.

Kalyn Lash

Kalyn Lash will graduate in May of 2023 with a double major in Neuroscience and Biology, and a minor in Chemistry. Her research work while at Wilkes included studying: 1. The Analgesic Effects of Caffeine presented at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in March, 2022, and 2. Hospital Readmission Rates Following Cardiac Episodes Before and After Troponin Test Implementation – conducted at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, presented in December, 2022. Kalyn was a Guthrie pre-med scholar and honor’s student, who was on the Wilkes University Dean's List. Kalyn was the recipient of the Muriel S. Follmer Scholarship, the John D. Kearney Memorial Scholarship, the Dolores & Francis Sangiuliano Scholarship, and was a member of the Colonel Elite Society, awarded to student athletes (Kalyn was a swimmer). Kalyn was a Tri-Beta Biological Honors associate member, Wilkes Honors Program Mentor, and group leader for WEBS and a Presidential Student Leader. Kalyn’s future plans include pursuing a degree in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program here at Wilkes University.

Colleen McDonald

Colleen McDonald has assisted Dr. Ned Fetcher’s NSF project since it started in the fall of 2021. She has meticulously dissected hundreds of cotton-grass flowers to determine seed production and the abundance of small flies as well as parasitoid wasps that prey on the fly larvae. Colleen’s research addresses a long-standing question in ecology: Is seed production controlled from the bottom up by the availability of nutrients or from the top down by herbivory and predation? She presented her research at the Annual Meeting of the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) at Columbia University in March, 2023.

Nicole O’Rourke

Nicole O’Rourke’s performance has been consistently excellent in her time at Wilkes. Her GPA is just shy of a 4.0 and she is graduating with a B.S. in Biology in only three years. She regularly performs at the top of her class. Nicole was fully engaged in research in the Steele lab for three years including two autumn semesters in which she worked closely with a visiting doctoral student from Poland. Nicole also served as a leader in the veterinary club and as a group leader for the summer WEBS Science Camp in which one faculty member says “She was an excellent role model who interacted very well with the girls” Nicole has also has been an outstanding athlete on the Wilkes Women's Softball Team during her three years at Wilkes. Following graduation Nicole plans to pursue a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine

Madison Horensky

With a nearly 4.0 GPA, Madison Horensky has demonstrated her ability like few others, especially given that she will graduate in only three years. She consistently scored among the highest grades in the class. She is also active as a leader in the veterinary club and was fully engaged in independent research in the Steele lab for 3 years and closely engaged in research with a visiting doctoral student over two fall field seasons. As one faculty member says, she is definitely in the top 5% of all students observed over the past 15 years at Wilkes. Madison is well respected by her peers and all the faculty. She is planning on pursuing a doctoral program in veterinary medicine.

Cally Erickson

Cally Erickson graduated last fall with her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. For her outstanding research performance, Cally has been awarded the Rosenthal Award for Excellence in Organismsal Biology. Cally did summer and capstone research investigating the effects of fire on food webs. Her research is being prepared to be published in ecological journals and will help shape how Pennsylvania manages their forests. Cally played on the ice hockey and golf teams and was a member of several campus clubs. Cally was also heavily involved in many science outreach events and served as a mentor for high school students that did research in the lab. Cally will interning at Los Alamos National Lab in New Mexico then will either pursue a Ph.D. or medical school or both.

Colleen McDonald

Colleen McDonald has assisted Dr. Ned Fetcher’s NSF project since it started in the fall of 2021. She has meticulously dissected hundreds of cotton-grass flowers to determine seed production and the abundance of small flies as well as parasitoid wasps that prey on the fly larvae. Colleen’s research addresses a long-standing question in ecology: Is seed production controlled from the bottom up by the availability of nutrients or from the top down by herbivory and predation? She presented her research at the Annual Meeting of the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) at Columbia University in March, 2023.

Hera Mukhtar

Hera Mukhtar graduated from Wilkes last fall with a 3.79 GPA. During her time at Wilkes, Hera distinguished herself through her involvement in a wide variety of meaningful extracurricular activities. For the Biology Department, she was the President of WEBS program, served as a Teaching Assistant for Principles of Modern Biology I & Microbiology, and was a Supplemental Instructor for BIO 226 - Cellular/Molecular Biology. For the Chemistry department, Hera served as the Vice President of American Chemical Society Chapter, and tutored for General Chemistry. For Wilkes’s Honors Program, Hera was the Director of Academic Opportunities of Honors Program Student Committee and an Honors Peer Mentor. Hera took great pride in serving as an E-Mentor for First-Year Students, and had the distinction of being Presidential Student Leader in 2022. Hera intends a career as a physician, and was enrolled in Wilkes’s Pre-Medical Scholars program with Penn State – Hershey’s medical program prior to graduation.

Cameron Fiester

Cameron Fiester is a Dec. 2022 graduate with a major in Chemistry (Cum Laude). His research consisted of working with Drs. Bradley and Nazzal on the synthesis and characterization of fused ladder oligomers. His capstone explored synthesizing several related compounds for potential use as materials for organic semiconductors. Outside the classroom, Cameron was part of the Wilkes University Honors Program, the men's soccer team, and was inducted into the Wilkes Colonel Elite in 2021 (Colonels Elite is a society of student-athletes who show the same determination and success in the classroom as they show on the field). He is presently employed as a lab analyst at the Williamsport, PA of Arxada, a global science-based specialty chemicals business (formerly known as Lonza Specialty Ingredients, LSI).

Leah Karassik

Leah Karassik is a May 2023 graduate with a major in Biochemistry (Magna Cum Laude). Her research work in the department includes work with Drs. Mencer, Terzaghi, and VanWert on the measurement of terpene concentrations in a variety of hemp cultivars. Her capstone project explored terpenes and cannabinoids in hemp plants grown from seed in Wilkes University facilities. Leah was also active outside the classroom. She is a member of the Chemistry and Biology Clubs, and participated in the WEBS program. Leah is also a member of the honors program and has been on the Dean’s list every semester. Outside of classes, she works for the SHINE program, a local afterschool program that promotes STEM activities. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in research in pharmaceuticals or chemical laboratories before eventually returning to school for graduate work.

Madelynn Kinard

Madelynn Kinard is a double major in English and Communication Studies with a minor in Global Cultures. Between both majors, she has completed four concentrations, including literature, rhetoric, journalism, and strategic communication. Outside the classroom, Madelynn was an active member of the Wilkes community. She competed on the women's swim team for four years where she claimed two school records in the 100 and 200 backstroke. She finished her career as a captain and the only female on the team. She was also well versed in publishing serving as the news editor for The Beacon and assistant editor for Manuscript Society. Madelynn was also named to several academic honors societies: Sigma Tau Delta, of which she was president of, and Lambda Pi Eta. She was also involved on campus as an e-Mentor, and actively participated in community outreach and service in helping bring Dance Marathon, a Wilkes version of PSU’s THON, to campus in 2020. In addition to this award, Madelynn was also the recipient of the Frank J. J. Davies Award in English.

Emily Cherkauskas

Emily Cherkauskas is a double major in Communication Studies and English with a minor in workplace writing. Her majors concentrated in multimedia journalism, broadcast production, and digital humanities. Her capstone project in Communication Studies examined the accuracy and accessibility of live closed captioning in local televised broadcasts. Her English capstone compared the methods of literary textual analysis and machine distant reading, applying them to early modern and Renaissance literature. Outside of her classes, she worked as editor-in-chief of The Beacon newspaper, producer at Wilkes Now! television show and an editor of Manuscript Society, in addition to interning and working in the library archives. She was named to the Dean’s List every semester and was also inducted into Lambda Pi Eta and Sigma Tau Delta. Upon graduating, she plans to work in the media industry and eventually go on to graduate school to further explore research and editing.

Jessica Van Orden

Jessica Van Orden earned an A.A. in English Literature and a Specialized Diploma in Library Technical Services from Northampton Community College. She is currently completing her B.A. in English Literature with Wilkes University, where she serves as an intern with Etruscan Press. She is the Editor-in-Chief, Layout Coordinator, and Contributor to the Inkwell Quarterly Publication at Wilkes University.

Emily Cherkauskas

Emily Cherkauskas graduate with a double major in Communication Studies (Multimedia Journalism, Broadcast Production) and English (Digital Humanities) and a minor in Workplace Writing. Her capstone project in Communication Studies examines the accuracy and accessibility of live closed captioning in local televised broadcasts. Her English capstone compares the methods of literary textual analysis and machine distant reading, applying them to Early Modern and Renaissance literature. Emily has been on the editorial board of the campus newspaper, The Beacon, serving two years as Editor-In-Chief. She has also been producer of Wilkes Now! and Executive Editor of The Manuscript Society, in addition to interning and working in the archives of the Farley Library. Making the Dean’s List every semester, Emily was inducted into the honor societies of Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies) and Sigma Tau Delta (English), serving as Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta. Upon graduating, Emily plans to work in the mass communications industry and pursue graduate studies in research and editing.

Madelynn Kinard

Madelynn Kinard is a double major in English and Communication Studies with a minor in Global Cultures. Between both majors, she has completed four concentrations, including literature, rhetoric, journalism, and strategic communication. In fact, Madelynn is also the recipient of the Communication Studies Department’s Outstanding Student Award. Outside the classroom, Madelynn competed on the women's swim team for four years, where she claimed two school records in the 100 and 200 backstroke. She finished her career as a captain and the only female on the team. Madelynn also served as News Editor for campus newspaper, The Beacon, and assistant editor for The Manuscript Society. Madelynn is also President of the Alpha Gamma Alpha chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, and a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society. She has served as an e-Mentor, and was instrumental in bringing Dance Marathon to Wilkes in 2020. Along with completing an internship at Etruscan Press, Madelynn currently works at the West Pittston Public Library. After graduation, she intends to pursue careers in editing and teaching.

Jacob Kudysch

Jacob Kudysch is a double major in history and secondary education. Throughout his time at Wilkes, he has been involved in a wide array of activities. Last fall, he researched and wrote his senior capstone paper, “Magazines, Newspapers, and the Echoes of ‘Popular Ideologies’: How Media of the Mid Nineteenth-Century Influenced the National Debate on Slavery, 1850-1860.” His capstone project expanded on research and a digital exhibit that he worked on for two summers as a research mentee for Dr. Sopcak-Joseph. Jacob presented on the results of that summer research twice in the past year. At the 2022 Women’s and Gender Conference at Wilkes University, he presented “Selling Faith/Faith Sells: Gender, Religion, and Media in Nineteenth-Century America” together with Dr. Sopcak-Joseph and another student. More recently, he participated in the Undergraduate Poster Session at the 2023 American Historical Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia. Jacob has also been a researcher and host of the History Department’s podcast, History behind the Headlines, from its inception. He has accomplished all of these things while also being a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team. Jacob has earned membership in three honors societies: Phi Alpha Theta (history); Kappa Delta Pi (education), and Alpha Lambda Delta (first-year academic excellence). He is also the recipient of the 2022-2023 Dr. James Rodechko Scholarship in History. This spring, Jacob has been completing his student teaching at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, where he has been teaching United States history. Following graduation, he plans to attend graduate school in history or teach social studies at the high school level.

Adam Piston

Adam Piston is a double major in history and secondary education, and he serves as a model of the concept of “student-athlete.” Adam is a four-year member of the football team, and he led the team as a captain during the 2022 season. He was named to the 2022 All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Second Team (defensive lineman), the 2022 Football Academic All-MAC Team, and the College Sports Communicators 2022 Academic All-District Team. At the same time that he accomplishing so much on the field, he was also researching and writing his senior capstone paper, titled “A Change in Social Fabric: British Loyalism Following the American Revolution.” Adam has been a researcher and host of the History Department’s podcast, History behind the Headlines, from its inception. In his time at Wilkes, Adam has earned membership in three honors societies: Phi Alpha Theta (history); Kappa Delta Pi (education), and Alpha Lambda Delta (first-year academic excellence). This spring, he has been completing his student teaching at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, where he has been teaching 10th grade United States history and 11th grade Civics. Following graduation, he plans to teach social studies at the high school level.

Karlea Allen

Karlea Allen is a Psychology and Spanish double major, with a minor in Secondary Education. Her Psychology capstone project was a culmination of her experience as an intern at the Children’s Service Center (CSC). She worked diligently on client engagement research, creating social-emotional learning resources for staff and clients. She also created a Program Referral Guide providing an explanation of all of CSC’s program offerings and the referral process. Her Spanish capstone project focused on feminist research aimed at creating safer spaces for women in Columbia and around the world. Karlea has dedicated her time here at Wilkes to becoming a knowledgeable and inclusive Spanish K-12 educator and hopes to share her love of learning with the students in her own classroom.

Danielle Morris

Danielle Morris is a Digital Design & Media Art major and Communication Studies minor. Within the DDMA department, she was involved in Studio 20, Wilkes’ student-run design club, where she collaborated with classmates and clients. In her senior year, she was selected as a Presidential Student Leader, which allowed her to represent the university at events in the community. Danielle served as the Executive Vice President of Student Government; some of her duties included curating social media content for the organization and planning several campus-wide events. She also served as a First-Year Student e-Mentor and held the title of Social Media Coordinator for the 2022-2023 year. She had the opportunity to develop the brand identity for first-year orientation and Welcome Weekend, which included all print and digital materials for students and their families. For two years, she served as the editor of the Communication Studies department’s newsletter, The Medium. Additionally, Danielle completed an internship with the marketing department, which sparked her interest in her future goals. Danielle wishes to pursue a job in the social media marketing field upon graduation.

Charles James Coolbaugh Jr.

Charles "CJ" James Coolbaugh Jr. is a transfer student from Luzerne County Community College and a Digital Design and Media Art Major with a Minor in Art. During his time at Wilkes University CJ and his team won first place in the National Direct Effect Innovation Challenge, creating a multi-channel marketing campaign for the national aviation museum in Pensacola, FL. He also spends most of his free time helping other design students by showing techniques with different programs as well as sharing his knowledge of other tools, skills, and practices in design. After he graduates, he plans on getting a career in the field of graphic design and UX/UI Design (User Experience and User Interface) as well as continuing his education by getting his MFA and becoming a design professor himself. CJ also plans to eventually become an owner of his own Advertising agency where he would have a paid internship program that will give the opportunity to give his students real world experience.

Alec Martin

Alec Martin is a Digital Design and Media Arts major with a minor in marketing. He has achieved remarkable success in both his academic pursuits and his professional endeavors. As the Allan P Kirby Center Scholar for Digital Design and Media Arts, Alec gained invaluable experience working with community and student businesses on their graphic design needs. In addition to his work with the Kirby Center, Alec served as treasurer of Studio 20 and was a key member of the National Direct Effect Innovation Challenge winning team in 2021. Alec's internships at Posture and LSEO have further developed his skills and reinforced his passion for visual communication.

Rudy Urenovich

Rudy Urenovich is digital design and media art major with a cognate minor in art, as well as an additional minor in English. Much of his time at Wilkes University was shaped by his work at the Sordoni Art Gallery. He started as a desk attendant and eventually became the social media coordinator, research assistant, and designer. Rudy had the opportunity to brand an entire exhibition, In Search of Meaning: Memory Becomes Us, in the summer of 2022. He also interned with the Wilkes University Marketing Department in the spring of 2022. Rudy has made the Dean’s for multiple semesters. He has been part of multiple organizations at Wilkes like Studio 20, the student-run design club, and he writes for Wilkes’ newspaper, The Beacon. He currently works at Center City Print in Kingston, being hired as a graphic design after completing an internship there.

Alycia Rose

Alycia Rose graduated from Wilkes in Summer 2022 with major in Computer Science and minor in Computer Information Systems, and with a 3.92 GPA. Throughout her time at Wilkes, Alycia served as a system administrator assistant, maintaining the Math and Computer Science departmental server under the supervision of Dr. Sullivan. During her senior year, she worked with Dr. Kapolka on a research project to determine how temperature might affect the error rate of packet transmissions in a wired network. This project led to a poster presentation at the Eastern Colleges Science Conference in Spring 2022 and Alycia’s work can be seen on the fourth floor of Stark Learning Center. Currently, Alycia is working at UKG as an Integration Consultant.

Samantha Uggla

Samantha Uggla is a musical theater major with a minor in hospitality leadership, and a member of the Honors Program. She has been seen in several productions on the Wilkes University stage. She recently played Piggy in Lord of the Flies, and Meg March in Little Women. During her time at Wilkes, she has received several scholarships, including the Richard and Ellen Ayre scholarship for music and the John J Chwalek Sr scholarship. Samantha has served as a section leader for the University Chorus and sang with the select Chamber Singers choir for all of her semesters at Wilkes. In addition, she has completed an internship in event planning with the Office of Student Development right on campus, as well as a summer internship working at Guest Services at Hershey Park. Outside of her schoolwork and performing arts related commitments, she is a member of the Tap Club, the Hospitality Club and works as an Admissions Ambassador. Last summer, she traveled with the Honors Program to volunteer at Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida, and she will be returning with several senior honors members again in just a few weeks. Sami has also lined up work for this summer in the entertainment industry as a performer at Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Rylee Gaskill

Rylee Gaskill is a senior Musical Theatre major with a minor in dance. -She has been an actor in 9 mainstage productions throughout her time as a BFA student. - She has been on the stage management team for 4 productions and is credited as Assistant director for our most recent production “Lord of the Flies.” - She was on the Electrics crew for 6 semesters and was Prop Master for Clue: On Stage and Little Women the Musical. - She served as Alto section leader for the University Chorus for 6 semesters and has been a member of the Chamber singers for 7 semesters. She also served as student choral director for an arrangement in the Spring 2022 chorus concert, as well as for this year’s Winterfest. - She has been extremely active in the dance department, where she has taken every dance style offered at Wilkes multiple times, added to her skills in singing and acting she certainly qualifies for the designation musical theatre “triple threat”. - While attending Wilkes, she gained 3 professional credits. She was a performer in a production of Heathers the Musical at the Landis Theatre in South Jersey. She served as Assistant Choreographer and Fosse Style coach of an outside production of Chicago the Musical. And she had the opportunity to sing backing vocals for Josh Groban’s Harmony tour in the Summer of 2022.

Olivia Schanbacher

Olivia Schanbacher is a major in Musical Theater with a minor in Dance. She has been an active leader in the Dance Department at Wilkes for four years. Her work includes being a dance captain for multiple mainstage musicals, as well as choreographing two mainstage plays, Androcles and the Lion and Silent Sky. Additionally, she has participated in numerous productions with the Degnan Ballet Center. She also founded, and is the current president of the Wilkes University Tap Club. Outside of dance at Wilkes, Olivia is a dance instructor at Broadway on the Boulevard in Pittston, where she teaches ballet and jazz to students ages 7-18. After graduation, she plans to pursue musical theater and choreography professionally, and to continue to teach dance.

Tyler Dragon

Tyler Dragon is a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. His senior capstone project involved working with Quantum Rehab and a team of 4 other Wilkes University Engineering students to design a more efficient machine to test the motorized bases for Quantum’s chairs. Outside of his normal academic responsibilities, he has been a member of the Wilkes University Civic band, the Wilkes Marching Colonels, and the Wilkes University Orchestra. This year, he participated in the 75th Anniversary Intercollegiate Band hosted by Mansfield University, and directed by guest conductor Gary Green, who is the Emeritus Professor of Music and Director of bands at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. At the Intercollegiate Band Festival, he and the rest of the band performed the World Premiere of a new piece commissioned for the band called “The Sea of Mountains” by Mathew Jackfert. He is also a member of The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship where he worked on projects for both Wilkes Students and Community Members looking to develop a concept they had into products to sell. In the summer he is planning on being a member of the Skyliners Drum and Bugle Drum Corp where he will be playing drum set. Upon graduation in May, he is planning on staying local and has a job at Pulverman in Dallas, PA as a Manufacturing Engineer. He also plans on continuing to be a part of the Wilkes University Civic band as a community member.

Madelynn Kinard

Madelynn Kinard is a double major in English and Communication Studies with a minor in Global Cultures. Between both majors, she has completed four concentrations, including literature, rhetoric, journalism, and strategic communication. In addition to this award, Madelynn was also the recipient of the Communication department Outstanding Student Award and the Frank J. J. Davies Award in English. Her English advisor, Dr. Hamill, writes of Madelynn: “the highest standards of academic excellence in her work. Her intellectual acuity, and her ability to examine and interrogate complex texts from a wide range of critical and theoretical perspectives place her among the best students I’ve worked with during my time at Wilkes.” Dr. Hamill adds her ability to “synthesize” the “existing critical discourse in new and illuminating directions” leads him to give her the “highest possible recommendation for this award.” Madelynn’s capstone in Communication Studies, entitled “Generic Application of the Queen’s Funeral Service: Successful or Unsuccessful Funeral Oratory”, is a textual analysis of Queen Elizabeth’s eulogy that utilizes a difficult and time consuming methodology, and one that Dr. Estwick, chair of Communication Studies, notes is a testament to Madelynn’s research and analytical abilities. During her time at Wilkes, Madelynn has been involved in a staggering number of extracurricular activities. She competed on the women's swim team for four years where she claimed two school records in the 100 and 200 backstroke. She finished her career as a captain and the only woman on the team. She served as the news editor for The Beacon and assistant editor for Manuscript Society. Madelynn was also named to two academic honors societies: Sigma Tau Delta, of which she was president of, and Lambda Pi Eta. She is President of the Wilkes chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, a member of Lambda Pi Eta, and also serves as News Editor to the Beacon. She has served as an e-Mentor, and was instrumental in bringing Dance Marathon to Wilkes in 2020, which she further served as the internal director of in 2021 and 2022. Last Fall Madelynn was an intern at Etruscan Press, a literary publisher housed at Wilkes University. She accomplished all of this while also holding a part-time position at West Pittston Public Library.

Cristina Spradlin

Cristina Spradlin is a senior Psychology student, with an emphasis in Neuroscience. She is currently a research assistant for Dr. Newell and her capstone research explored mindfulness meditation on perceived stress and anxiety. She graduated Magna Cum Laude prior to transferring to Wilkes University and has both been awarded several merit-based scholarships and named into a variety of honor societies. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Cristina plans on continuing her education by pursuing a clinical psychology doctoral program. Outside of the classroom, Cristina has been teaching yoga for 13 years and finds great joy in giving back to local community nonprofit organizations.

Sharon Cruz

Sharon has served as the social media marketing coordinator, vice president, and president of the Hospitality Leadership Club. She has earned a place on the Dean's list every semester during her time at Wilkes University and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. Sharon received the IRA B. Zatcoff Memorial Scholarship for her academic capabilities. She has also worked on research and has presented research proposals at conferences and symposiums, winning the best undergraduate research proposal presentation at the THEREPS Conference in 2022. After graduation, Sharon accepted a position at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel in their front office department.

Lucas Miller

Lucas Miller is an Electrical Engineering Major with minors in Mathematics and Physics. He has been awarded the Frederic Bellas Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Thomas Richards Scholarship, and the Wilkes University Presidential Scholarship. He has worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics students since his sophomore year, including the instruction of a simulation-based laboratory course on semiconductor physics. His involvement with the department does not end there, as he has worked several open house and outreach events for prospective and admitted students as well as students from PA Cyber. Lucas has conducted numerous research projects both at Wilkes University and through an REU program at the University of Arkansas. Working with Dr. Abas Sabouni, Lucas worked to design and simulate a bent microstrip patch antenna array for extraterrestrial applications in a project funded by NASA. He has also conducted photonics research with Dr. Wei Du by designing, simulating, and optimizing a waveguide-based surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of a wide variety of chemicals and biomolecules such as glucose and Hepatitis A (https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11110455). The results have been published and cited in research regarding early detection of the SARS-CoV2 infection. He has also assisted in the preparation of a review paper in SiGeSn quantum wells for photonics applications (DOI 10.1088/1361-6463/ac8d14). Alongside extensive research activities, Lucas served as the Treasurer and President of Wilkes University’s Branch of IEEE, coordinating and leading the preparation and execution of the annual IEEE Engineering Olympics. He also helped lead and carry out a wide variety of other activities with IEEE such as the creation of an “Engineering Survival Guide” for first year students, hosting a group of students for the Eastern TCA Train Meet with Dr. John Gilmer, organizing a talk regarding early radio technology with Dr. Gilmer, and co-hosting an informative talk about ChatGPT and AI technology from field experts. Lucas’ leadership experience extends far before college, as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in his Boy Scout Troop, and was the President of his Venturing Crew. Post-graduation, Lucas will be working as a Project Hardware Electrical Engineer at Lutron Electronics designing advanced lighting control systems. His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Applied Photonics, lead a cutting-edge research team, and teach at the collegiate level.

Kimberly Bailey

Kimberly Bailey will receive a major Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainability Management with a 3.37 GPA. Her senior project research with Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was to determine the location and type of charging stations for electric vehicles for commuters to Wilkes University campus. On campus Kimberly is the vice president of the Wilkes University Commuter Council and captain of the Wilkes University Cheer Team. She is also active in professional engineering societies as the elected President of the Society for Women Engineers that organized The Amazing Race for middle-school girls to compete in engineering activities, and secretary of the student chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Kimberly has accepted an engineering position with the research and development team at Exelon Corporation in Newark, Delaware.

Peyton Walsh

Peyton Walsh will receive a major Environmental Engineering with a 3.50 GPA. Her senior project research with Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was to determine the location and type of charging stations for electric vehicles for commuters to Wilkes University campus. During the summer of 2022 she was on the Wilkes University team that won 4th place at the Air and Waste Management Association Environmental Challenge International Competition in San Francisco, California where the team was to choose a sustainable approach to regulate emissions from watercraft and reduce air quality impacts on port communities. On campus Peyton worked in the Sordoni Art Gallery and is the vice president on the College of Business and Engineering Dean’s Student Advisory Board. She is also active in professional engineering societies as treasurer of the Society for Women Engineers, is a member of the Air and Waste Management Association and student chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Peyton has accepted an engineering position with Stantec in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

Melanie Fouts

Mel Fouts is an Honor Student with a major in Environmental Engineering and minor in Sustainability Management with a 3.98 GPA. Her research with Dr. Joshua Blechle, Associate Professor of Chemistry, received the Platinum Award for her project titled "Examining Internal Temperatures of Nitrogen-Containing Plasmas to Understand the Gas-Catalyst Interface" at the American Vacuum Society's 67th Annual Symposium, and with Dr. Holly Frederick, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, she assessed the effectiveness of alternatives to treat nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in North Lake, Pennsylvania which was presented at the North American Lake Management Society 13th Annual National Monitoring Conference. Mel is an active member of the campus community by serving as the E-Mentor coordinator, Honors Peer Mentor, president of the Honors Program Student Committee, and on the Wilkes University search committee for the Vice President of Enrollment Management. She is a leader for the Wilkes Adventure Education program and puts her sustainability minor to work as a member of a Wilkes committee working to improve the University's eco-friendly practices. She is also active in professional engineering societies as being elected vice president of the Society for Women Engineers, as well as a board member of the student chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Mel has accepted an engineering position with American Water in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Hannah Hart

Hannah Hart will receive a major Environmental Engineering with a minor in Digital Design and Media Art with a 3.81 GPA. Her senior project research with Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was to determine the location and type of charging stations for electric vehicles for commuters to Wilkes University campus. Hannah was midfielder on the Wilkes University soccer team for four years, and on the College of Business and Engineering Dean’s Student Advisory Board. As a skilled artist Hannah was voted first place for the Wilkes University 2022 President’s Holiday Card “Winterfest” contest. She is also active in professional engineering societies as being elected President for the student chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, and is a member for the Society for Women Engineers and the Air and Waste Management Association. Hannah has accepted an engineering position with Dewberry in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Evan McHugh

Evan McHugh is a mechanical engineering major who transferred to Wilkes in 2021. His senior project focused on developing a new method of defect detection in polyethylene for the Mitsubishi Chemical Group.He has previously completed internships at Maquet and French & Parello Associates. Evan is set to graduate with honors and has made the Dean's List every semester. After graduation, he hopes to find a job in research and development where he can continue to apply his skills and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Andrew Vaupel

Andrew Vaupel is a senior Mechanical Engineering major and honors student. Through his coursework, he has been involved with a number of unique engineering projects, such as the design and construction of a biology-inspired insect robot. Outside of schooling, he has worked several internships with focuses on mechanical design and manufacturing process improvement, through which he has designed and implemented both light and heavy machinery in active industrial environments. He has accepted a position as a Process Engineer with Mitsubishi Chemical Group, for which he will begin work shortly after graduating. Andrew’s future plans are to pursue a career in engineering design with a focus toward robotics.

Lucas Miller

Lucas Miller is an Electrical Engineering Major with minors in Mathematics and Physics. He has been awarded the Frederic Bellas Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Thomas Richards Scholarship, and the Wilkes University Presidential Scholarship. He has worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics students since his sophomore year, including the instruction of a simulation-based laboratory course on semiconductor physics. His involvement with the department does not end there, as he has worked several open house and outreach events for prospective and admitted students as well as students from PA Cyber. Lucas has conducted numerous research projects both at Wilkes University and through an REU program at the University of Arkansas. Working with Dr. Abas Sabouni, Lucas worked to design and simulate a bent microstrip patch antenna array for extraterrestrial applications in a project funded by NASA. He has also conducted photonics research with Dr. Wei Du by designing, simulating, and optimizing a waveguide-based surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of a wide variety of chemicals and biomolecules such as glucose and Hepatitis A (https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11110455). The results have been published and cited in research regarding early detection of the SARS-CoV2 infection. He has also assisted in the preparation of a review paper in SiGeSn quantum wells for photonics applications (DOI 10.1088/1361-6463/ac8d14). Alongside extensive research activities, Lucas served as the Treasurer and President of Wilkes University’s Branch of IEEE, coordinating and leading the preparation and execution of the annual IEEE Engineering Olympics. He also helped lead and carry out a wide variety of other activities with IEEE such as the creation of an “Engineering Survival Guide” for first year students, hosting a group of students for the Eastern TCA Train Meet with Dr. John Gilmer, organizing a talk regarding early radio technology with Dr. Gilmer, and co-hosting an informative talk about ChatGPT and AI technology from field experts. Lucas’ leadership experience extends far before college, as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in his Boy Scout Troop, and was the President of his Venturing Crew. Post-graduation, Lucas will be working as a Project Hardware Electrical Engineer at Lutron Electronics designing advanced lighting control systems. His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Applied Photonics, lead a cutting-edge research team, and teach at the collegiate level.

Christian Dietrich

Christian Dietrich is a senior Mechanical Engineering student here at Wilkes. He has participated in many activities around campus, for example his research with Dr. Bednarz on the Strain Gauge Force Transducer. He has worked within the department for almost two years as a teaching assistant for Dr. Bednarz and Dr. Ghorieshi. Christian was also apart of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Club for four years serving as board officers for three of them. While he has contributed much to the engineering department, he has also been involved outside campus for his two internships. After all he has accomplished, he has taken a position for Colliers Engineering & Design as an Engineer in the Waste/Water Management department. He wants to thank the department and professors that have been involved in his college career and appreciates the time they have taken to help him succeed.

Brad Hepner

Brad Hepner Jr is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Physics. He has spent his academic career being active in the ASME holding the vice-president position last year and is now the president where he organizes facility tours and a yearly car show on campus. He is also an active member of the SAE Baja club and was a TA for Dr. Mu for his Finite Element Methods course. The past 3 semesters, he has been working alongside classmates writing an academic research article on strain gauge theory. Brad has held two internship positions with EnerSys back in 2021 and CornellCookson this past school year. Upon graduation, Brad will be making a return to EnerSys as a Design Engineer.

Lucas Miller

Lucas Miller is an Electrical Engineering Major with minors in Mathematics and Physics. He has been awarded the Frederic Bellas Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Thomas Richards Scholarship, and the Wilkes University Presidential Scholarship. He has worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics students since his sophomore year, including the instruction of a simulation-based laboratory course on semiconductor physics. His involvement with the department does not end there, as he has worked several open house and outreach events for prospective and admitted students as well as students from PA Cyber. Lucas has conducted numerous research projects both at Wilkes University and through an REU program at the University of Arkansas. Working with Dr. Abas Sabouni, Lucas worked to design and simulate a bent microstrip patch antenna array for extraterrestrial applications in a project funded by NASA. He has also conducted photonics research with Dr. Wei Du by designing, simulating, and optimizing a waveguide-based surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of a wide variety of chemicals and biomolecules such as glucose and Hepatitis A (https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11110455). The results have been published and cited in research regarding early detection of the SARS-CoV2 infection. He has also assisted in the preparation of a review paper in SiGeSn quantum wells for photonics applications (DOI 10.1088/1361-6463/ac8d14). Alongside extensive research activities, Lucas served as the Treasurer and President of Wilkes University’s Branch of IEEE, coordinating and leading the preparation and execution of the annual IEEE Engineering Olympics. He also helped lead and carry out a wide variety of other activities with IEEE such as the creation of an “Engineering Survival Guide” for first year students, hosting a group of students for the Eastern TCA Train Meet with Dr. John Gilmer, organizing a talk regarding early radio technology with Dr. Gilmer, and co-hosting an informative talk about ChatGPT and AI technology from field experts. Lucas’ leadership experience extends far before college, as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in his Boy Scout Troop, and was the President of his Venturing Crew. Post-graduation, Lucas will be working as a Project Hardware Electrical Engineer at Lutron Electronics designing advanced lighting control systems. His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Applied Photonics, lead a cutting-edge research team, and teach at the collegiate level.

Corey Gallis

Corey is a Mechanical Engineering major that completed his studies in Fall 2022. After originally graduating from The University of Scranton in 2017 with a degree in Chemistry, Corey chose to return to school in 2020 to change careers and attend Wilkes to pursue a second degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Wilkes, Corey dedicated his time outside of his full-time job to his studies and various projects where he developed his skills in design, 3D printing, and robotics. He worked with his capstone team to develop Hindsight - a blind spot monitoring system that aimed to increase the awareness of skiers and snowboarders with impaired hearing through the use of haptics. Corey now works for Dyco, Inc. as a Mechanical Design and Applications Engineer where he designs automated systems for handling plastic bottles in industrial settings.

Patrick Seeley

Patrick Seeley is a senior student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He has made the dean’s list every semester here at Wilkes (as of April). He was the organizer and team leader for the At Home GT Senior Project, which built and tested a functional mini gas turbine engine. Patrick also played varsity baseball for four years in high school, as well as Fall Ball here at Wilkes in 2022. He is currently waiting to hear back from several potential employers, including Lockheed Martin, Curtiss Wright, and Gentex, upon graduation in May. Patrick hopes to eventually land his career in research and design for the aeronautical industry.

Lucas Miller

Lucas Miller is an Electrical Engineering Major with minors in Mathematics and Physics. He has been awarded the Frederic Bellas Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Thomas Richards Scholarship, and the Wilkes University Presidential Scholarship. He has worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics students since his sophomore year, including the instruction of a simulation-based laboratory course on semiconductor physics. His involvement with the department does not end there, as he has worked several open house and outreach events for prospective and admitted students as well as students from PA Cyber. Lucas has conducted numerous research projects both at Wilkes University and through an REU program at the University of Arkansas. Working with Dr. Abas Sabouni, Lucas worked to design and simulate a bent microstrip patch antenna array for extraterrestrial applications in a project funded by NASA. He has also conducted photonics research with Dr. Wei Du by designing, simulating, and optimizing a waveguide-based surface plasmon resonance sensor for the detection of a wide variety of chemicals and biomolecules such as glucose and Hepatitis A (https://doi.org/10.3390/bios11110455). The results have been published and cited in research regarding early detection of the SARS-CoV2 infection. He has also assisted in the preparation of a review paper in SiGeSn quantum wells for photonics applications (DOI 10.1088/1361-6463/ac8d14). Alongside extensive research activities, Lucas served as the Treasurer and President of Wilkes University’s Branch of IEEE, coordinating and leading the preparation and execution of the annual IEEE Engineering Olympics. He also helped lead and carry out a wide variety of other activities with IEEE such as the creation of an “Engineering Survival Guide” for first year students, hosting a group of students for the Eastern TCA Train Meet with Dr. John Gilmer, organizing a talk regarding early radio technology with Dr. Gilmer, and co-hosting an informative talk about ChatGPT and AI technology from field experts. Lucas’ leadership experience extends far before college, as he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, was an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in his Boy Scout Troop, and was the President of his Venturing Crew. Post-graduation, Lucas will be working as a Project Hardware Electrical Engineer at Lutron Electronics designing advanced lighting control systems. His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Applied Photonics, lead a cutting-edge research team, and teach at the collegiate level.

Nicolas Erzinger

Evan McHugh

Evan McHugh is a mechanical engineering major who transferred to Wilkes in 2021. His senior project focused on developing a new method of defect detection in polyethylene for the Mitsubishi Chemical Group.He has previously completed internships at Maquet and French & Parello Associates. Evan is set to graduate with honors and has made the Dean's List every semester. After graduation, he hopes to find a job in research and development where he can continue to apply his skills and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Patrick Seeley

Patrick Seeley is a senior student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He has made the dean’s list every semester here at Wilkes (as of April). He was the organizer and team leader for the At Home GT Senior Project, which built and tested a functional mini gas turbine engine. Patrick also played varsity baseball for four years in high school, as well as Fall Ball here at Wilkes in 2022. He is currently waiting to hear back from several potential employers, including Lockheed Martin, Curtiss Wright, and Gentex, upon graduation in May. Patrick hopes to eventually land his career in research and design for the aeronautical industry.

Andrew Vaupel

Andrew Vaupel is a senior Mechanical Engineering major and honors student. Through his coursework, he has been involved with a number of unique engineering projects, such as the design and construction of a biology-inspired insect robot. Outside of schooling, he has worked several internships with focuses on mechanical design and manufacturing process improvement, through which he has designed and implemented both light and heavy machinery in active industrial environments. He has accepted a position as a Process Engineer with Mitsubishi Chemical Group, for which he will begin work shortly after graduating. Andrew’s future plans are to pursue a career in engineering design with a focus toward robotics.

Sara Kizer

Sara Kizer is a double major in Accounting and Corporate Finance. She served as the PICPA Student Ambassador for the 2022/2023 academic school year. She has participated in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program which supports free tax preparation for the underserved, to which she acted as Site Coordinator for the program in her Senior year. She has also worked as a tutor for the financial and managerial accounting courses here on campus. Sara has interned with Kearney & Company and has acted as the Kearney & Company Student Ambassador for Wilkes University. Upon graduation, Sara has accepted a position with Kearney & Company as a junior audit associate and intends to complete her CPA exams in under one year.

Dante Gazzola

Dante Gazzola is earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Financial Investments. During his time at Wilkes, he has been an active student leader on campus, serving as Treasurer to the Class of 2023, and as the President of the Finance Club. Dante also played football for three years, earning an All-Conference Selection at Linebacker, as well as two All-MAC Honor Roll Selections. Upon completion of his summer internship in wealth management, Dante was inspired to help families achieve their financial goals. Dante has signed with Barrett Financial Solutions as a financial advisor. He is very excited about his future and is grateful to have grown in such a special place.

Brooke Harvey

Brooke Harvey was an honors student and majored in management during her time at Wilkes University. She was selected to be a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Board for the College of Business and Engineering, she was a member of Phi Beta Lambda, and a peer mentor for incoming first year students. Brooke received the Honors Program Scholarship Award, which recognizes substantial accomplishment in self-directed, self-motivated academic work. She also was a supplemental instructor for macroeconomic and microeconomic classes. Brooke was a research intern at the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development where she would write reports about different economic trends in local counties. Two of the projects she contributed to, Housing the Workforce: Creating and Revitalizing Housing for a Growing Region and the 2022 Indicators Report, were published. She also secured another internship as an Administrative Assistant Intern for the finance department at Corning Incorporated Headquarters. While interning for this Fortune 500 company, she was able to learn many skills and build a large network. Finally, Brooke was able to graduate a semester early in December, move to Nashville, TN, and then start her full-time job in January at Ernst and Young as a Transfer Pricing Documentation Analyst.

Sara Kizer

Sara Kizer is a double major in Accounting and Corporate Finance. She served as the PICPA Student Ambassador for the 2022/2023 academic school year. She has participated in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program which supports free tax preparation for the underserved, to which she acted as Site Coordinator for the program in her Senior year. She has also worked as a tutor for the financial and managerial accounting courses here on campus. Sara has interned with Kearney & Company and has acted as the Kearney & Company Student Ambassador for Wilkes University. Upon graduation, Sara has accepted a position with Kearney & Company as a junior audit associate and intends to complete her CPA exams in under one year.

Nicholas Kinzler

Nick Kinzler is currently in his senior year at Wilkes University, where he is majoring in Corporate Finance as well as pursuing a minor in Accounting. In addition, he has received Dean’s List Honors in all of his semesters at Wilkes, he is a member of the Wilkes University Honors Program, and an inductee of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. Nick is also the club president of Future Business Leaders of America, where he has placed six different times at the state and national level in numerous financial analysis competitions. On the field, Nick is a goalkeeper for the Men’s Soccer Team. As a member of the team, Nick has received the 2022-2023 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, been inducted as a member of the Colonels Elite, and listed as a Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll Scholar for multiple years. Outside of his academic and athletic involvement, he has obtained various internships through Wilkes University. He started at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law as a Finance Intern where he generated month-end financial reports as well as conducted audits. This past Summer, he assisted on a grant program with the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center that helped local businesses receive financial funding due to losses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This past Fall, as an Administrative Intern with SCILEX Pharmaceuticals, he analyzed data, performed online research, and helped with other core tasks. This semester, he started taking classes in pursuit of his Master’s of Business Administration via Wilkes’s 4+1 Program. Starting next Fall, he plans on working as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of the President and using his fifth year of eligibility as a member of the Men’s Soccer Team. Once he completes his graduate studies, he hopes to pursue a career in the financial services industry, where he can showcase all of the knowledge he has gained as well as the skills he has built during his time at Wilkes University.

Gabriel Arauz Ramos

Gabriel Arauz Ramos majors in Supply Chain Management and minors in Business Analytics, in the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership at Wilkes University. Gabriel came to Wilkes University as a first year from Panama. He is a first-generation student. Gabriel is also the recipient of the Nada Vujica Memorial Award by the Center for Global Education and Diversity. Earning a spot on the Dean’s list every semester since first year, Gabriel has shown sincere dedication and excellent aptitude for his studies. During his time on campus, Gabriel acted as treasurer of the Friends of Panama Club, worked with the Wilkes Programming Board and was a member of the Geo Explorers Club. He worked in the Admissions Office as a Lead Student Ambassador and as teacher’s assistant with the SHINE program. In his spare time, Gabriel enjoys playing soccer, going to the gym, and is looking forward to time at home riding horses on his family’s farm in Chiriqui, Panama. Gabriel plans on returning home after graduation to work at Agrosilos S.A. in Panama, a company he previously interned with. Agrosilos S.A. is the largest and leading rice and grains manufacturer and distributor in Panama. He also plans on earning a master's Degree in a related field.

Sharon Cruz

Sharon has served as the social media marketing coordinator, vice president, and president of the Hospitality Leadership Club. She has earned a place on the Dean's list every semester during her time at Wilkes University and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. Sharon received the IRA B. Zatcoff Memorial Scholarship for her academic capabilities. She has also worked on research and has presented research proposals at conferences and symposiums, winning the best undergraduate research proposal presentation at the THEREPS Conference in 2022. After graduation, Sharon accepted a position at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel in their front office department.

Ariel Reed

Ariel Reed, from Altoona, PA, is a senior double major in communication studies and sports management with a minor in economics. At Wilkes, Reed held various leadership positions such as Managing Editor of The Beacon, Producer of Wilkes Now! TV, Station Manager and Programming Music Director at WCLH, President of the Sports Management Club, Treasurer of FBLA, member of Lambda Pi Eta honors society, and member of the women’s basketball team. Outside of the University, Reed has actively participated in internships as she has interned with Urban Mac Media as a copywriter, The Blair Regional YMCA as a Dry Land Swim Trainer, Diamond City Partnership as a Marketing Consultant, The Ken Lantzy Finest-Forty All-Star Game as a communications liaison/director of social media, and at WTAJ as a sports and news reporter intern. After Wilkes, Reed will be heading to Wichita Falls, TX to work with an NBC station as a news reporter.

Sarah Pavlick

Sarah Pavlick graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.98 GPA from Wilkes. She was on the Dean’s List every semester and is a recipient of the Wilkes University Trustee Scholarship. During her time at Wilkes, she was actively involved as a First-Year Student E-Mentor and a Career Peer & Ambassador in the Center for Career Development and Internships. She was also involved in the Homecoming Student Team at Wilkes. She was a summer marketing research assistant with Dr. Ma in 2021. She worked as a Marketing Intern in the Center for Career Development and Internships and Alumni Offices at Wilkes University. She worked as the Marketing and Communications Intern at The Luzerne Foundation, and as the Digital Marketing Intern at Itoh Denki USA, Inc. After graduation, she has accepted a full-time position at Itoh Denki USA, Inc.

Sharon Cruz

Sharon has served as the social media marketing coordinator, vice president, and president of the Hospitality Leadership Club. She has earned a place on the Dean's list every semester during her time at Wilkes University and is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. Sharon received the IRA B. Zatcoff Memorial Scholarship for her academic capabilities. She has also worked on research and has presented research proposals at conferences and symposiums, winning the best undergraduate research proposal presentation at the THEREPS Conference in 2022. After graduation, Sharon accepted a position at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel in their front office department.

Salvatore Scotto

Salvatore is currently working for Enterprise and will be continuing his career there after graduation. He was a first place winner in the 2022 Sidhu Teaching and Research Symposium. At his time at Wilkes, he was also involved in the GSA, the social media squad, and a research assistant for the Center for Business & Leadership Research.

Ariel Reed

Ariel Reed, from Altoona, Pa., is a senior double major in communication studies and sports management with a minor in economics. At Wilkes, Reed held various leadership positions such as Managing Editor of The Beacon, Producer of Wilkes Now! TV, Station Manager and Programming Music Director at WCLH, President of the Sports Management Club, Treasurer of FBLA, member of Lambda Pi Eta honors society, and member of the women’s basketball team. Outside of the University, Reed has actively participated in internships as she has interned with Urban Mac Media as a copywriter, The Blair Regional YMCA as a Dry Land Swim Trainer, Diamond City Partnership as a Marketing Consultant, The Ken Lantzy Finest-Forty All-Star Game as a communications liaison/director of social media, and at WTAJ as a sports and news reporter intern. After Wilkes, Reed will be heading to Wichita Falls, TX to work with an NBC station as a news reporter.

Jay Patel

Jay Patel, a mechanical engineering major at Wilkes University, has made significant contributions to the field through his research. Jay was involved in an important research project that focused on using strain gauges to determine the magnitude of forces acting on a beam, given the location of the force. As a co-author of the publication ""Determining Magnitudes of Forces at Known Locations Through a Strain Gauge Force Transducer,"" Jay has showcased his expertise and dedication to advancing the field of mechanical engineering. Although Jay has not yet presented this research at a conference, plans for future presentations are in the works.

Upon completing his master's degree at Wilkes, Jay plans to move to Roy, Utah, where he will join Northrop Grumman's brand-new state-of-the-art facility as a Systems Engineer. Jay's academic excellence and demonstrated commitment to engineering make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Wesley Mahler

Wesley Mahler is a graduate student earning his Master of Science in Bioengineering with a concentration in synthetic biology. While at Wilkes, he initially worked with Dr. Gutierrez exploring correlations between angiogenesis and macrophages surrounding fibroblasts in mouse models. Later he joined Dr. Terzaghi’s lab, examining a potential way to engineer a bacterium to break down oxalate, a compound that commonly forms kidney stones. Since then, his main research focuses have been on his master’s thesis – engineering a plant to make bioplastic and exploring ways to increase its yield, along with investigating various treatments which may increase the CBD content of cannabis. Even more recently, he has joined a project with Dr. Lucent conducting molecular dynamic simulations to explore the origins of homochirality in life. He was recognized to the Dean’s List several times during his academic career and was inducted into the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society. Wesley has served as a Teaching Assistant for the General Biology I Lab and the Cellular and Molecular Biology Lab. After graduation, Wesley will be working as a research associate in Alaska for Dr. Fetcher and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Biophysics in the year following.

Nicholas Surgent

Nicholas Surgent is a master’s student studying Bioengineering. His thesis work was on the topic of a microwave resonating sensor able to detect malignant nodules within the thyroid gland. The design is able to detect a malignant nodule down to 3 mm in diameter! His senior capstone (which occurred here at Wilkes University) focused on using radio-frequency waves to charge a pacemaker within an individual through the design and fabrication of a transmitter and receiver antenna. Nick played soccer here at Wilkes University and was voted captain by his teammates from his junior year on. He was a Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor all five years that he played on the team. Outside of school, Nick recently took to the sky and earned his Private Pilots Certificate in late 2022. After graduation, he is going to finish flight school and focus on submitting his thesis to the International Conference the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.

Casey Ritsick

Casey Ritsick is a 2020 graduate of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and a 2022 graduate of the Sidhu School of Business & Leadership. He is currently a Pharmacovigilance Scientist in the Global Pharmacovigilance Department at Sanofi, where he focuses on overseeing the safety of new medicines in Oncology and Neurology. During his time at Wilkes, Casey played four years of soccer, served as a teaching assistant, and was inducted into Colonels Elite and the Rho Chi Honor Society. Casey is an adjunct faculty member of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and teaches an elective related to drug safety and the pharmaceutical industry. He is now the preceptor for the Wilkes APPE student program and Specialty Care Fellowship program at Sanofi.

Kaylee Copp

Kaylee Copp is an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major with a minor in reading. Kaylee's field experiences and professional development opportunities have taken place in a variety of locations throughout the region. Kaylee has been on the Dean's list throughout her undergraduate career at Wilkes and she was actively involved in the Education Club. Kaylee has developed a variety of engaging lessons during her student teaching experience during the spring 2023 semester and continues to create lessons and projects focusing on family engagement. Kaylee is the process of applying for Early Childhood and Elementary Education teaching positions in regional school districts.

Misleiby Ramos Rio

Misleiby Ramos Rios is a Middle Level Education major with concentrations in English/Language Arts (ELA). Misleiby is part of our Panama cohort and has been an asset to our program. Misleiby student taught in the fall of 2022 at Heights Murray School in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District in a 4th grade with Mrs. Weber. Misleiby was an active member of our Education Club, Open House Events, and regularly worked with children at the YMCA helping students whose first language was not English to improve their English language skills and helped them with homework. Misleiby worked with fellow students on a research project which focused on how socioeconomic status impacts ESL students. Currently, Misleiby is working as a teacher at Heights Murray, where she student taught, and she is also working as a translator for the families in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Misleiby was named as the recipient of the 2022-2023 Outstanding Middle Level Education Award.

Adam Piston

Adam Piston is a History and Secondary Education double major. During his time at Wilkes, Adam has received the 2023 Phi Alpha Theta Award, Second Team All-MAC Defensive End, MAC Academic All-Conference Team. Adam's History Capstone presentation focused on Researching the social change of British Loyalists following the American Revolution due their emigration out of the United States. Adam is a member of multiple honor societies, Kappa Delta Pi - the International Education Honors Society and Phi Alpha Theta– History Honor Society. Adam is also involved in many extracurricular activities including: Varsity Football Member and 2022 Captain, Wilkes University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Member, Club coordinator and podcast co-host of Wilkes University’s: History Behind the Headlines. He completed his student teaching placements in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District i10th and 11th grade (American History and Civics) . Currently, Adam is a long-term substitute teacher at Springhouse Middle School in Parkland School District. Adam Plans on teaching Social Studies at either the Middle School or High School level starting in the Fall of 2023. Adam Piston was named the recipient of the 2022-2023 Outstanding Secondary Education Award.

Jordan Harrison

Jordan Harrison graduated with a Special Education Major and Reading Minor in December 2022. Jordan received the Marla Hosie Education Award during her time at Wilkes. Jordan has also been inducted into Kappa Delta Pi - the International Education Honor Society and she was extremely active in the Education Club as Treasurer as well as participating in volunteer events with Big Brother, Big Sister, Homecoming and creating Jared Boxes for the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Her field experiences and professional development school opportunities have been throughout regional school districts such as Northwest Area, Good Shepherd Academy, Wyoming Area, and the Graham Academy. These placements in both general and special education have served her well in order to prepare her future as an educator. Jordan completed her student teaching experience at Good Shepherd Academy in the Individualized Instruction Program and at the Wyoming Valley West School District in a life skills classroom. Jordan was hired at Good Shepherd Academy as a Special Education Teacher in the Individualized Instruction Program before she completed her student teaching experience. Jordan will also begin graduate school in Fall 2023 at Wilkes. Jordan Harrison was named the recipient of the 2022-2023 Outstanding Special Education Award as well as the School of Education Award.

Genevieve Gorham

Genevieve Gorham is junior Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Special Education Double Major with a minor in Reading. Genna received the Dale and Louis Deronde Scholarship. Genna is the Vice-President of the Education Club. She attended the Student PSEA Conference in Hershey, PA during the spring 2023 semester where she connected with professionals in the field of education and attended presentations which focused on Social-Emotional Learning, Mindfulness Practices, and Education Law. Genevieve completes hundreds of hours of field and professional development school experiences. According to Genevieve - My PDS teaching experience has been incredible. I work with the guidance of two amazing mentors who have taught me so much about teaching. While I am teaching my students, they remind me of my love for my profession. Genevieve is extremely active in the Wilkes community - she consistently supports Open House Events, individual student visitations, and helps to support the education program and faculty daily. Genevieve, along with other members of Education Club, worked tirelessly to transform the Resource Room into an inviting and calming space for all education students. Genevieve does all of this while working two jobs! Genevieve would love to teach at the Graham Academy after graduation next spring. Genevieve Gorham was named the recipient of the 2022-2023 Marla Hosie Award.

Paige Hepner

From Shamokin Dam, PA, Paige Hepner is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Paige received a Masters in Business Administration and a minor in Business Administration. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is the APhA President, IPho Professional Program Coordinator and a member of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Student Design Team. She received a Formal APPE Preceptor Commendation Letter for Long Term Care at Custom Care Pharmacy in Milton, PA. Paige received the Apha Mortar and Pestle Professionalism Award. Her future plans are to be a Pharmacist.

Bryan Misiewicz

From Ashland, PA, Bryan Misiewicz is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Bryan received the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Academic Achievement Award and the Arthur H Kibbe Excellence in Pharmaceutical Science Research Award. He received his Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. He is the IPhO treasurer, Rho Chi APPE Chair, and an Anatomy and Physiology teaching assistant. Bryan is a member of the Rho Chi Honor Society. He received a Formal APPE Preceptor Commendation in Elective- Vaccine Safety at Sanofi and a Formal APPE Commendation in Internal Med at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, PA. His future plans include a Fellowship Global Pharmacovigilance in partnership with Sanofi Specialty Care and Wilkes University in Swiftwater, PA.

Kayla Aufiero

From Nanticoke, PA, Kayla Aufiero is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Kayla received the 2023 Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award and Jurisprudence Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society Vice President, tutor for 1st – 3rd year pharmacy students and an Anatomy and Physiology teaching assistant. Kayla is a member of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society and received (5) Formal APPE Preceptor Commendations. Her future plans are to be a Staff Pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area.

Jamie Harpel

From Mertztown, PA, Jamie Harpel is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Jamie received the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Outstanding Pharmacy Student Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a minor in Neuroscience. She is the Wilkes University Director and Student Advisory Board Chair for PPA, ASHP- Post Graduate Opportunity Chair, and a member of the Wilkes University Honors Program. Her research included Adult Iatrogenic Withdrawal Study in the ICU (ALERT-ICU) with Dr. Scott Bolesta. She received the PPA Organic Remedies Pharmacy Scholarship. She also received a Formal APPE Preceptor Commendation for Critical Care at Lehigh Valley Hospital at Cedar Crest. Her future plans include PGY-1 Residency at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, in Lebanon, PA.

Kayla Aufiero

From Nanticoke, PA, Kayla Aufiero is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Kayla received the 2023 Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award and Jurisprudence Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society Vice President, tutor for 1st – 3rd year pharmacy students and an Anatomy and Physiology teaching assistant. Kayla is a member of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society and received (5) Formal APPE Preceptor Commendations. Her future plans are to be a Staff Pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy in the Wilkes-Barre, PA area.

Elena Patestos

From Toms River, NJ, Elena Patestos is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Elena received the Outstanding Dean’s Award and School of Pharmacy Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a minor in Music and a concentration in Public Health. She is the Pharmacy Senate President, Kappa Psi Northeast Province Secretary and APhA Operation OTC Medication Safety Chair. She received the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center Scholar, Kappa Psi Foundation Scholarship Recipient, and Four Formal APPE Preceptor Commendations. Her future plans are PGY1 Community Based Resident, Wilkes University and Weis Markets, Schnecksville & Wilkes Barre, PA.

Gabriela Smicherko

From Edwardsville, PA, Gabriela Smicherko is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Gabriela received the School of Pharmacy Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society Secretary and Wilkes University Women’s Basketball Senior Captain. Her research included a publication in the Journal of the American Academy of PAs (JAAPA) involving asthma management – Should all asthma patients be switched to single maintenance and reliever therapy with inhaled corticosteroid-formoterol? She is a member of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society and has received three Formal APPE Preceptor Commendations. Her future plans are PGY-1 residency at VA Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Jaycee Blair

From Toms River, NJ, Jaycee Blair is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Jaycee received the Department of Pharmacy Practice Research Award and the Rules Sisters Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a Masters in Business Administration and a minor in Chemistry. She is the President of AMCP, APhA Operation Mental Health Chair, and participated in 5 different research projects with various pharmacy practice faculty members. She received four formal APPE Preceptor Commendations, Kappa Psi Delta Omicron Bernie Graham Award, and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. Her future plans include PGY-1 residency at George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Morgan Casciole

From Easton, PA, Morgan Casciole is pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Morgan received the School of Pharmacy Community Service Award and the Rules Sisters Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. She is the Chaplain for Lambda Kappa Sigma, Secretary for ASHP and APhA – American Pharmacists Month Chair. She is a member of Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. She received a formal APPE Preceptor Commendation in Ambulatory Care. Her future plans include a PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Residency at Geisinger Clinic - Central, Danville, PA.

Morgan Casciole

From Easton, PA, Morgan Casciole is pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Morgan received the School of Pharmacy Community Service Award and the Rules Sisters Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. She is the Chaplain for Lambda Kappa Sigma, Secretary for ASHP and APhA – American Pharmacists Month Chair. She is a member of Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. She received a formal APPE Preceptor Commendation in Ambulatory Care. Her future plans include a PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Residency at Geisinger Clinic - Central, Danville, PA.

Jaycee Blair

From Toms River, NJ, Jaycee Blair is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Jaycee received the Department of Pharmacy Practice Research Award and the Rules Sisters Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a Masters in Business Administration and a minor in Chemistry. She is the President of AMCP, APhA Operation Mental Health Chair, and participated in 5 different research projects with various pharmacy practice faculty members. She received four formal APPE Preceptor Commendations, Kappa Psi Delta Omicron Bernie Graham Award, and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. Her future plans include PGY-1 residency at George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lina Le

From Lancaster, PA, Lina Lee is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Lina received the Arthur H. Kibbe Excellence in Pharmaceutical Science Research Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is a student representative for DEIA, PPAG Membership Chair and Pharmacy Senate Team Representative. Her research included a Two-Year Comparison of Preventative COVID-19 Lifestyle Changes within Wilkes University with Dr. Roke Thomas, Dr. Mary McManus, and Urmi Patel. She received the Wiley’s Pharmacy Award from Lancaster County Pharmacists Association (LCPA), The Ortmann Family Scholarship from LCPA, and Walgreens Multilingual Scholarship. Her future plans are to be a Community Pharmacist.

Urmi Patel

From Budd Lake, NJ, Urmi Patel is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Urmi received the Arthur H. Kibbe Excellence in Pharmaceutical Science Research Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is a conversational leader for international students. Her research included a Two-Year Comparison of Preventative COVID-19 Lifestyle Changes within Wilkes University with Dr. Roke Thomas, Dr. Mary McManus, and Lina Le. Her future plans are to be a Staff Pharmacist at CVS in Bethlehem, PA.

Bryan Misiewicz

From Ashland, PA, Bryan Misiewicz is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Bryan received the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Academic Achievement Award and the Arthur H Kibbe Excellence in Pharmaceutical Science Research Award. He received his Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. He is the IPhO treasurer, Rho Chi APPE Chair, and an Anatomy and Physiology teaching assistant. Bryan is a member of the Rho Chi Honor Society. He received a Formal APPE Preceptor Commendation in Elective- Vaccine Safety at Sanofi and a Formal APPE Commendation in Internal Med at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, PA. His future plans include a Fellowship Global Pharmacovigilance in partnership with Sanofi Specialty Care and Wilkes University in Swiftwater, PA.

Madison Keller

From Macungie, PA, Madison Keller is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Madison received the Pennsylvania Society of Health-System Pharmacists Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration. She is the Historian for Kappa Psi Northeast Province, AShP President, and Kappa Psi Delta Omicron Recruitment Educator. She received a formal APPE Preceptor Commendation Letter Geisinger Double Block Ambulatory Care. She is a member of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society. Her future plans include a PGY1 Community-Based Residency at ACME Sav-on Pharmacy in the Philadelphia area.

Morgan Matthews

From Canton, PA, Morgan Matthews is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Morgan received the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Academic Achievement Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. She is the President of Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, the Recruitment Chair for Lambda Kappa Sigma and the Operation Heart Chair for APA. She received the Jane Lampe-Groh Scholarship, Samuel Berk Memorial Scholarship, and Ethel J. Heath Scholarship Key. Her future plan is a Staff Pharmacist at CVS in Fort Myers, Florida.

Bryan Misiewicz

From Ashland, PA, Bryan Misiewicz is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes, Bryan received the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Academic Achievement Award and the Arthur H Kibbe Excellence in Pharmaceutical Science Research Award. He received his Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023. He is the IPhO treasurer, Rho Chi APPE Chair, and an Anatomy and Physiology teaching assistant. Bryan is a member of the Rho Chi Honor Society. He received a Formal APPE Preceptor Commendation in Elective- Vaccine Safety at Sanofi and a Formal APPE Commendation in Internal Med at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, PA. His future plans include a Fellowship Global Pharmacovigilance in partnership with Sanofi Specialty Care and Wilkes University in Swiftwater, PA.

Elena Patestos

From Toms River, NJ, Elena Patestos is a pharmacy major. At Wilkes University, Elena received the Outstanding Dean’s Award and School of Pharmacy Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. She received her Pharm D on Saturday May 20, 2023, as well as a minor in Music and a concentration in Public Health. She is the Pharmacy Senate President, Kappa Psi Northeast Province Secretary and APhA Operation OTC Medication Safety Chair. She received the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center Scholar, Kappa Psi Foundation Scholarship Recipient, and Four Formal APPE Preceptor Commendations. Her future plans are PGY1 Community Based Resident, Wilkes University and Weis Markets, Schnecksville & Wilkes Barre, PA.

Matthew Stankiewicz

Matthew David Stankiewicz has majored in nursing. For the past two years, he has earned the Christopher Kopernik Scholarship. Last spring, he was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor society of nursing. Matt has previously participated on a panel of his peers during a prospective students day. Following graduation, Matt will be working in the Burn Unit at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson has majored in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. Her senior capstone project focused on the effects of participating in music therapy for adult oncology patients in hospitals. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and has been a member of the Wilkes University Student Nursing Society. Throughout her four years at Wilkes she has volunteered at numerous events on and off campus. During her senior year she completed two nursing externships at Lancaster General Hospital, working on the Cardiac Telemetry, Oncology, and Spine & Surgical Trauma units. After graduation, she will begin work as a registered nurse for Lancaster General Hospital on the Spine & Surgical Trauma unit.

Emilee Barnhardt

Emilee Lin Barnhardt is a nursing major in the Passan School of Nursing. She is very active in the nursing school and the university as a whole. She has been a tutor for nursing students for the past two years. She is also the President of the Wilkes University Society of Student Nurses, organizing an extensive amount of community service events for the nursing school. Emilee is the secretary of the Wilkes Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an international nursing honor society. She plays an active role in the Wilkes Now! Television studio as a technical director assisting in the production of weekly campus news. She is also part of the Wilkes Nursing Student Organization and Wilkes Adventure Education program. While studying at Wilkes University, Emilee went to night classes to receive her Emergency Medical Technician certification and works as an EMT in her spare time. Upon graduation, Emilee accepted a nursing position at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest in the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Her future endeavor is to be a flight nurse. In addition to the Leadership award, Emilee was also named as the Outstanding Graduate.

Megan Oakley

Megan Oakley has a nursing major with a psychology minor. Megan is a first-generation college student with a 3.61 GPA overall and 3.79 in her nursing classes. She has made Deans list for 7 consecutive semesters. Megan is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau zeta Psi for Nursing, PSI Chi the International Honor Society in Psychology and Chi Alpha Epsilon. She has participated in research in the summer in entomology. Megan is a tutor for a variety of subjects, but mainly specialized in tutoring the first year nursing majors. She will be working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Danville. Megan is also a member of the NSO, SSN, and a variety of other clubs.

Emilee Barnhardt

Emilee Lin Barnhardt is a nursing major in the Passan School of Nursing. She is very active in the nursing school and the university as a whole. She has been a tutor for nursing students for the past two years. She is also the President of the Wilkes University Society of Student Nurses, organizing an extensive amount of community service events for the nursing school. Emilee is the secretary of the Wilkes Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an international nursing honor society. She plays an active role in the Wilkes Now! Television studio as a technical director assisting in the production of weekly campus news. She is also part of the Wilkes Nursing Student Organization and Wilkes Adventure Education program. While studying at Wilkes University, Emilee went to night classes to receive her Emergency Medical Technician certification and works as an EMT in her spare time. Upon graduation, Emilee accepted a nursing position at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest in the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Her future endeavor is to be a flight nurse. In addition to the Outstanding Graduate award, Emilee also received the Non-Academic Leadership award.

Yuxin Cai

Yuixn Cai is a full-time student in the ABSN Program. Before enrolling in this challenging one-year program, she successfully obtained her CPA licensure. She has chosen to switch from an accounting career to nursing for the simple reason of her older son Albert, who has been diagnosed with Galloway Mowat syndrome and cerebral palsy. Being a caring mother, she wants to take better care of her severely disabled son and others in similar medical situations by becoming an RN. She has been working extremely hard and has done an excellent job balancing her coursework and other responsibilities. She has consistently been on top of her class. She is particularly interested in research related to kids with disabilities and special needs. She is a terrific team worker. Following graduation, she plans to work for healthcare organizations that specifically target disabled children and adults. She is determined to apply what she has obtained from the training in the nursing program to improve the welfare of those who are in great need.

Mykala Gillespie

Mykala Gillespie is an ABSN nursing major. She graduated from King’s College with a Bachelor of Science in 2021 and was the recipient of the Parente Scholarship during her time at King’s. During her time at Wilkes in the accelerated program, she worked part time at Kingston Rehab and Nursing while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Following graduation, Mykala will be working at Geisinger South Wilkes Barre in the ER.

Jacob Hughes

Jacob Hughes comes to Wilkes with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management and a minor in Environmental Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. While at Penn State, he volunteered on a THON committee to raise money for pediatric cancer research and patient and family care. He also facilitated global discussions with the purpose of cross-cultural engagement between students at PSU, members of NATO and civilians at other locations in China, India, Denmark, and Afghanistan through the organization World In Conversation. After working as an environmental scientist, Jacob found his call to nursing while providing extensive care to an elderly family friend coping with paralysis and other related conditions. While enrolled in the ABSN program at Wilkes, he volunteered at the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard and has earned a GPA of 3.87. Jacob has recently been inducted into the Zeta Psi Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society. After graduation, he is looking forward to working at Geisinger Medical Center where he has accepted a position in the Med-Surg Float Pool as a Graduate Nurse.

Breanna Leidy

Breanna Leidy is an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing major from Roaring Spring, PA. Her GPA is a 4.00. She previously graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. At Wilkes University, she was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. During her time at Wilkes University she served as a teaching assistant in the children’s program at Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church, as well as volunteering as a leader at Camp Mantowagan. Following graduation, Breanna plans to work in the Labor and Delivery unit at UPMC Altoona.

Emily Bowman

Emily Bowman is a graduate of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. She holds prior Bachelor’s Degrees with high honors in Theater and Psychology from Goshen College. She came to this program following several different careers including working at Camp Squeah, a wilderness camp for children in British Columbia, volunteering for three years in Honduras with Mennonite Central Committee, an international development and peacebuilding organization, and most recently, serving her community in the Midwest and beyond as an EMT with Tri-County Ambulance. She came to this program out of a desire to further her skills and knowledge in the medical field to better care for those in need. During her one year at Wilkes University, she has excelled academically and in the clinical setting. After graduation, she is hoping to continue to serve her community as a nurse in an as yet undetermined local hospital to get some experience before pursuing a career as a travel nurse.