Michael Dew
Michael Dew
Major: Neuroscience
Graduation: April 2024
I'm passionate about learning, specifically about helping others learn. I love to teach. I'm an MTC (non-language) teacher, I joined the NHS in high school so that I could have opportunities to tutor others, and in car rides with my little siblings I try to entertain them by telling them about what I am learning in my neuroscience classes. I enjoy reading books that remind me of my childhood, writing poetry, and playing card and board games. As a long-term goal, I want to do research in Alzheimer's Disease prevention and treatment. I've had family members who have passed away with AD or dementia, and their memory loss is one of the saddest things I have observed.
What are your favorite books? / What are you currently reading?
I like to read books for their engaging plots more than their character development or refined writing style (unless it's Tolkien). I really like the juvenile fiction Jack Blank Trilogy by Matt Myklush. I also love Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Beren and Luthien, Fablehaven, Chronicles of Narnia, and Ranger's Apprentice.
What's the best-kept secret at BYU? Why?
The room just off the 2nd floor Education in Zion gallery in the JFSB. It is always empty and quiet, it has a beautiful view of the JFSB courtyard and fountain, and is beautifully decorated. It was one of my favorite places to do a little bit of homework.
What are people often surprised to learn about you?
Recently, people who have only previously seen me over Zoom are surprised to learn that I am 6' 4" when they meet me in person.
What is something you can never be found without?
I can never be found without my trusty TI-30XIIS calculator, Carmingolo 2. Even though it doesn't have graphing functions, it is nostalgic for me because it is the type of calculator I used throughout high school, including to take the ACT and SAT.
Why did you decide to join the Honors Program?
When looking for classes to fill my generals during my freshman year, I saw an Unexpected Connections course and I was hooked. It's only gotten better from there.
What has been your favorite part of your Honors experience?
I've loved getting to hear different perspectives and realize that even though we all have different opinions, we are really not that different. We are all trying our best to do and promote what is right. We all have a lot to learn from each other.
What is your next step in Honors?
I am really looking forward to taking the Unexpected Connections course Honors 223 section 1, "Transcendent Skies." I don't think I'll be able to take it until Winter 2022 (fingers crossed that it is still around, cough cough, pretty please!). I just can't think of a better class than one that combines literature (such as Voyage of the Dawn Treader) and astronomy.