Meet Andrew Bartnikowski
Property Management, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Old Forge / Old Forge Jr./Sr. High School
- College: Penn State University
- Major/Graduation Year: Business Analytics / 2027
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “Hopefully get a full-time job in an analyst role such as a financial analyst. Then possibly go back to get my master’s.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss my family and friends.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I would say I would really like to try skiing or snowboarding. I’ve never tried it, but I would like to try.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I would like to gain some technical skills such as Excel and other software. I would also like to learn soft skills around an office that you would not get at school. Some of these are communicating with people.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “The opportunity to work closely with the teams that I’m working with such as the asset management team. I’m working very closely with my boss who is the director of asset management.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Welcoming: because from the first day everyone gave me a warm welcome and helped me with anything I needed.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “My favorite thing to do in my free time is golf.”
Meet Michael Cicon
Brokerage, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: West Wyoming, PA/Holy Redeemer High School
- College: Penn State University
- Major/Graduation Year: Real Estate / May of 2027
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I’m a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “My main focus will be starting my own real estate development company.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss the feeling of being at home. I was born and raised here.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “Cliff jumping and going to Lake Wallenpaupack.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I want to gain knowledge in the world of commercial real estate specifically all of the pieces that go into developing a property. I also want to build long-lasting relationships.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “I like the opportunity to learn from professionals who have been successful in the industry for many years.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Opportunity: There really are so many opportunities to do a bunch of things. Everyone here is really helpful and will go out of their way to teach you.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I’ve never broken a bone.”
Meet Aidan Davies
DiscoverNEPA
- Hometown/High School: Kingston / Holy Redeemer High School
- College: Villanova
- Major/Graduation Year: Biology/Premed / 2029
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “My goals would be to go to medical school and then go on to become a doctor. I would say oncology.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “A few years ago I had my own experience with cancer. Being in the hospital and surrounded by all of the doctors and nurses inspired me to go on and give back to others who are experiencing what I experienced.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “The pizza and great food.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “It seems like everyone I know is a skier, and at some point, I would like to get out to Montage and learn how to ski.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I want to develop my writing skills; I’m a writing intern. I also want to talk to people and become someone who could have a conversation with anyone I meet.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “Being able to help the local community and support local businesses. I want to help out the people who live and work in NEPA.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Energetic. I feel like everyone here is willing to share new ideas and get stuff done.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “Two years ago in 2024 my father and I went to Namibia in Africa and got to see lions eat while they were in the wild.”
Meet Graedon Finarelli
Marketing, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Lake Lehman, PA / Lake Lehman Jr/Sr High School
- College: Monmouth University
- Major/Graduation Year: Business Administration with Finance and Real Estate / 2027
Question: Are you involved with any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “Yes, I’m a catcher on the baseball team at Monmouth.”
Question: What are your goals for after you graduate?
Answer: “I’d love to stay in commercial real estate. It’s a field I’ve found genuinely interesting, and I want to dive deeper into it after graduation.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I’ve had an interest in real estate ever since I started college. Over the past couple of years, I started narrowing in on the commercial side specifically, and the more I learned, the more it pulled me in.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about NEPA while you are away at school?
Answer: “That’s gotta be my family….and my dog, Koda.”
Question: Is there something in NEPA that you have never done but always wanted to try?
Answer: “I’ve always wanted to try snowboarding. I’ve skied before, but that did not go great, so maybe snowboarding is a better option. There’s only one way to find out!”
Question: What skills do you want to develop this summer?
Answer: “I’d like to build a stronger understanding of the technology behind marketing. That’s one piece. I’d also love to get more advanced with tools like Excel and Word and really sharpen my skills there.”
Question: What has excited you most about working here?
Answer: “Honestly, the peer support. Everyone I’ve talked to here has been willing to help out with whatever I need. It makes coming into work easy every single day.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “I’ll go right back to what I said earlier: supportive. Everyone here has been unbelievably helpful. If you’re confused or stumped on something, people will go out of their way to help you find an answer.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I’m absolutely addicted to getting tattoos.”
Meet Marissa Gubitoso
Architecture, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Pittston, PA / Pittston Area High School
- College: Marywood University
- Major/Graduation Year: Architecture / 2027
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I am the vice president of WIAD (Women in Architecture and Design).”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “My goals are getting my hours and taking my tests in order to get licensed.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I grew up around real estate and design with my dad. He runs his own business. That inspired me to go into this field.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I always miss the hiking trails.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I always love to try new restaurants like the new rooftop restaurants that are opening. There is also a golf simulator in Scranton. I like to try new spots.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “More professional and communication skills and solving real world problems.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “Working in the field and getting hands-on experience in the office. I enjoy being in the field such as site visits, but learning how to draw and design is really interesting to me.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Welcoming. Everyone introduces themselves and is always willing to help.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I like to ski and travel. I’m always trying to be adventurous because I hate being bored.”
Meet Rowan Lazevnick
Civil Engineering, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Pittston, PA / Pittston Area High School
- College: Virginia Tech
- Major/Graduation Year: Civil Engineering / 2028
Question: Are you involved with any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “Yes, I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers.”
Question: What are your goals for after you graduate?
Answer: “My goal is to secure a full-time job in a specific area of engineering. I’m particularly invested in development-related work, which aligns closely with what Mericle does.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I’ve always wanted to help people and make a positive impact. Civil engineering is rewarding because you can see the results of your work firsthand. The buildings and projects you help create provide opportunities for people and benefit the community. It’s exciting to design something and then watch that vision become reality.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about NEPA while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss the people the most. My friends, family, and everyone close to me. I really enjoy school, but it’s the people who make a place special.”
Question: Is there something in NEPA that you have never done but always wanted to try?
Answer: “I wish I knew how to ski. Most of my friends ski, and it sounds like a lot of fun.”
Question: What skills do you want to develop this summer?
Answer: “I want to gain a better understanding of engineering in practice. What you learn in the classroom is often very different from what happens in the field. I’m excited to see how engineers solve real world problems, learn different approaches to fixing issues, and improve my skills with industry software.”
Question: What has excited you most about working here?
Answer: “I’ve always heard that Mericle has a strong group of civil engineers, and after being here for a few weeks, I can see that’s true. Everyone has been very helpful and willing to teach me. It’s important to be in an environment that supports learning and growth. It’s also fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes work on the many projects Mericle is involved in.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “I would say culture. From the moment I walked in, everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. The relationships people build here and the company’s strong reputation are evident. Mericle is so close-knit, welcoming, and committed to helping employees grow.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I’m an only child, and I’ve never had a pet.”
Meet Elizabeth Mantush
DiscoverNEPA
- Hometown/High School:Dallas, PA / Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School
- College: Duquesne
- Major/Graduation Year: Multiplatform Journalism and Communications with a minor in Spanish / 2028
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I write articles and take photos for the newspaper.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “I think I want to work in PR or some type of marketing. I really want to work for National Geographic. I’m really hoping to take the steps to get there one day.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I really love being outside and love nature. I grew up in a very active outdoorsy family. I really want to try to educate people and show how beautiful the United States is.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss being able to walk down to the water of Francis Slocum State Park and be outside. In Pittsburgh there is not a lot of stuff to do outside.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I’ve been seeing a lot about white water rafting. Hopefully this summer I could get out there and try it.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I really want to get into videography. I write a lot and am into photography, but I’m really hoping to really get into videography, especially editing.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “I really enjoy what DiscoverNEPA does. I’ve been following them for a really long time. They do a really great job in letting people know what there is to do here in NEPA. It’s also free marketing for small businesses that couldn’t necessarily do that themselves.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Inventive: They are always thinking about how to engage young people and get them out exploring. They are constantly reinventing what they put out there and branching into new areas.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I can speak Spanish. I’m conversational in Spanish.”
Meet Alex Marcin
Architecture, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Dallas, PA / Dallas Senior High School
- College: Marywood University
- Major/Graduation Year: Architecture / 2029
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “Stay around here. I would like to develop the area where I grew up.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I was in my sophomore year in high school when I started getting into architecture. I started to get curious about what the area looked like during the period when the area was booming.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss eating out the most.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I’ve always been curious about the rattlesnake roundup in the Harvey’s Lake area.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I really wanted to learn about the business side of architecture. I really want to develop my skills around the other trades such as how a building goes from concept to structure.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “I would say Mericle’s track record and business model. It is extremely effective. I really wanted to learn about what goes on behind the scenes.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Interconnected: Because of all of the cooperation that Mericle houses and all the teams that work together.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I have been to well over half of the states in America. I owe that to my grandmother who loves to travel.”
Meet Ethan Mathes
DiscoverNEPA
- Hometown/High School: Shavertown, PA / Lake Lehman High School
- College: Susquehanna University
- Major/Graduation Year: Creative Writing with a double minor in English and History / December 2026
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I play on the Volleyball club team and used to be part of a film club.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “My goal is to write more and write a book of stories.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss some of the familiar locations. Where I go to school, they don’t have a really good bookstore. I like going to Barnes and Noble and grabbing new books.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “Hiking the Endless Mountains. There are a lot of hiking trails I haven’t seen.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “More professional writing. I write more fantasy and poetry.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “Gaining experience in the field. It is a good place to get yourself introduced to the field and broaden your horizons after the internship.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Relaxing: Even though work sometimes piles up it still feels manageable and calming in a weird way.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I can juggle.”
Meet Joshua Moore
Mechanical, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Larksville, PA / Wyoming Valley West High School
- College: Luzerne County Community College
- Major/Graduation Year: HVAC – Heating and Air Conditioning / 2027
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “Expand my knowledge even further in the field that I am in now.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I have a hard-working dad who has been in HVAC for almost 30 years now.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I like to hike the trails at Ricketts Glen.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I am fully focused on learning everything I can out in the field during my internship.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “The most exciting thing is the views from the top of the buildings. You can see the mountains all around.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Opportunity: I chose this because in the short time that I have been here, I see there are a lot of growth opportunities within the company which I love to see.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I play acoustic and electric guitar.”
Meet AJ Nemitz
DiscoverNEPA
- Hometown/High School: Moscow, PA / North Pocono High School
- College: Penn State University
- Major/Graduation Year: Broadcast Journalism with a Sports Studies minor and a Fundamental Business Certificate / December 2026
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “Sports Director for the Lions 90.7 FM. We cover Penn State football, basketball and baseball and do live broadcasts of those. PSN TV sports talk show and Centre County Report. This is a student run news program.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “Get a job and I want to work in sports. Maybe I’ll go into sports entertainment.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “The food. The food in this area is definitely underrated.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “There are a few places I would like to eat at, but there is a Top of the World Hike in Dunmore.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “My camera skills. I really want to learn more by working and improving my work with cameras.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “The people. I love working with the crew downstairs [DiscoverNEPA]. They are a very hospitable team.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Together: Everything is very teammate-oriented. There is always someone who is willing to help you and ready to lend a hand.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I broadcast a couple of Penn State football games this year. The NBC at night team was also there.”
Meet Mila Racibor
DiscoverNEPA
- Hometown/High School: Old Forge, PA / Old Forge Jr./Sr. High School
- College: University of Scranton
- Major/Graduation Year: Social Media Strategies and Management / 2027
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I am a member of the Rho Tau Eta which is a communication honors society. I am a part of the American Advertising Federation.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “I want to get a job and find a place that I feel like is home.”
Question: What led you to those goals?
Answer: “I want to make a name for myself in the social media world.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I have always been here and I like how everyone is so close.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “Go to Jim Thorpe. It looks so cute.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I want to gain more skills in the strategies that are behind the content creation aspect instead of just taking the pictures and videos.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “Knowing a lot of familiar faces.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Close-knit: Everyone here gets along.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “My graduating [high school] class had 72 people.”
Meet Kendra Santuk
Mechanical, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Nanticoke / Holy Redeemer High School
- College: Penn State University
- Major/Graduation Year: Architectural Engineering / 2028
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I’m part of the Society of Women’s Engineers. I also do a mentor-mentee program.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “I’m graduating with my master’s so I hope 4 years after I can get my professional engineering license.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “The food.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I’m starting to hike more, so I’m trying to do more of the trails up here.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “A better understanding of all of the mechanical equipment.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “They trusted me and gave me the opportunity.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Welcoming: You never know what project I’m going to be doing. It keeps me on my toes and it is positive.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “My first concert ever was Ozzy Osbourne during his last tour.”
Meet Arturo Serrano
Mechanical, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: New Jersey / Hazleton Area High School
- College: Johnson College
- Major/Graduation Year: HVAC / 2027
Question: What are your goals for after you graduate?
Answer: “After graduation my main goal is trying to get more experience in the HVAC industry.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I miss the local events and friends when I was in high school.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but always wanted to try?
Answer: “One thing in NEPA that I’ve always wanted to try is exploring more outdoor activities, such as hiking.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I would like to develop more hands-on skills this summer.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “What has me more excited about working here is the opportunity to gain experience and learn from technicians who have been in the industry.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle with one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Opportunity – because they provide a chance to learn and grow professionally.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I enjoy learning new skills.”
Meet Tyler Vodzak
Accounting, Mericle
- Hometown/High School: Shavertown, PA / Holy Redeemer High School
- College: Wilkes University
- Major/Graduation Year: Accounting / 2028
Question: Are you involved in any clubs, teams, or activities?
Answer: “I’m involved in the investment club.”
Question: What are your goals after graduation?
Answer: “I want to go for my master’s and then the CPA license.”
Question: What is one thing you miss most about Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) while you are away at school?
Answer: “I’m here, so I get to experience anything I want.”
Question: Is there something in Northeastern Pennsylvania that you have never done but have always wanted to try?
Answer: “I’ve been here my whole life, but I do like to go out and try new restaurants and experience all the new things that come about here.”
Question: What skills do you hope to develop this summer?
Answer: “I’m trying to work more on discipline and staying focused on what I want to achieve.”
Question: What has excited you most about working at Mericle?
Answer: “I’ve heard great things and it’s a great opportunity with a great staff. Everything has been beneficial.”
Question: If you had to describe Mericle in one word, what would it be and why?
Answer: “Accelerated: I’m constantly learning and it is fast-paced.”
Question: What is a fun fact about yourself?
Answer: “I enjoy all types of music.”