Michael is completing a minor in Italian Studies which has allowed him to connect with his Italian heritage and explore his passion for Italian language and culture. Michael studied abroad in Pavia, Italy during Spring 2020 until his trip was rudely cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, Michael remains a keen proponent of international education and is a member of Global Leaders Orange & Blue Engagement on campus.

For the past two years, Michael has worked as a researcher for the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center. His own research has focused on local Native American history. Michael presented his findings on the history of Chief Shabbona at the Illinois History Conference in October 2020. Additionally, Michael is a Special Sections Writer for the Daily Illini and a member of the Psi Upsilon at The University of Illinois fraternity.