Michael was born in South Korea and raised in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

In 1997, Michael joined the local newspaper, Press Enterprise, as a freelance writer in the newspaper's teen writing program. In the summer of 2001, while still in high school, Michael was hired as an editorial intern and, upon completing the program, was hired part-time.

After graduating from Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg one semester early, he increased his hours with the newspaper. Over the next few months, he worked as a reporter, editorial assistant, assistant news librarian and interim special editions editor.

During his tenure at Press Enterprise, Michael worked extensively in the writing, design and customer service areas. He designed the newspaper's 100th anniversary masthead and front page logo, the town's 200th anniversary 356-page book and the newspaper's weekly entertainment guide, the Extra. In addition, he also redesigned and coordinated the teen writing page.

In July of 2002, Michael left the Press Enterprise to pursue a Communication degree at the University of Scranton.

While attending college, Michael was selected as one of only 100 students out of 700 nationwide applicants selected to be a Dow Jones Newspaper Fund intern during the summer of 2004. Michael spent the summer working at the Pocono Record in Stroudsburg, Pa. as part of the copy desk.

In late 2004, Michael joined WNEP-TV, The New York Times Company's top-rated ABC affiliate in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market as a camera operator.

In 2005, Michael returned to the Pocono Record for a second summer on the copy desk, further honing his skills in editing local and wire copy, page design and news budgeting.

Michael graduated from the University of Scranton in December 2005 and joined The Ithaca Journal as a page designer/graphic designer in January 2006.

In addition to his newspaper experience, Michael has designed Web sites for his school district, local businesses and organizations. His Web design won Future Business Leaders of America's first place state award two years in a row and advanced to the organization's national competition.

Michael has also won a local editorial writing award and young entrepreneur award.

When not working on his computer, Michael is a die-hard fan of the sitcom "Friends" and enjoys reading mysteries.

Michael is a member of The Society of News Design, The National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Graphic Artists Guild, Asian American Journalists Association and American Copy Editors Society.