Dan Vargas

Dan Vargas

Headshot of Dan Vargas

Research and Development Mechanical Engineer, The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory

Degrees, Licenses, Certifications

  • BS, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering
  • AA, Associate of Arts
  • AGS, Associate of General Studies
  • AS, Associate of Science

Dan's Story

After high school graduation in May 2009, I worked my way through a college degree. I made painfully slow but steady progress at first, working many odd jobs while attending Pima Community College for six straight years. I was able to earn an Associate of Science Degree, an Associate of Arts Degree, and an Associate of General Studies Degree during my time there and graduated in May 2015. After graduation, I took two semesters off school to work full-time and gather enough money to transition to the University of Arizona. I returned to school in August 2016, and through the help of a secure job at Steward Observatory, I was able to afford to take more classes for the tail end of my collegiate career.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering in May 2020. Finding an R&D biomedical engineering job in the middle of a global pandemic was very difficult as all biomedical resources at the time were solely focused on combating the issue of COVID-19. After a year on the job market, I turned my attention to what I had been doing since 2016, supporting innovative astronomical research at Steward Observatory. I started my career as an R&D Mechanical Engineer in astronomical adaptive optics in July 2021 and I have not looked back since. Despite still being an entry-level engineer, I spend a large portion of my time mentoring other young engineers in our field who are just starting their own careers.

The six years I spent as a participant of the MESA program changed my life forever. Preparing for and excelling at the Regional, State, and National competitions gave me the confidence I needed as a kid to know that I was truly meant to be an engineer. My road to a successful engineering career was long, but I know it would not have been possible if it hadn't been for the mentorship and resources that MESA provided me at a young age. Now, I love volunteering as a MESA competition judge and mentoring the next generation of STEM leaders.