Acknowledgement to Michael - January 9, 2026

"Don't meet you heroes", laughed Michael at a conference in 2021 after I was introduced to a research insipration who promptly ignored me. Thinking back on it, I did meet my hero that day, but it wasn't the other guy. It was Michael.

To put into words the influence Michael has had on me throughout the past six years is near impossible, but I shall do my best. When I first started working with Michael, we were on a kidney measurement project and I remember him mentioned almost passingly that his wife's kidney health was beyond the range these tests could measure. But if he hadn't have told me, I would have never knew. He never once should an ounce of irritation or agitation upon his students. He was not just pleasant, but cracked jokes and always asked us how we were. It was then, I realized that I was working for a great man. So of course, doing a PhD with him was the only choice. 

Like a typical PhD, my path was not linear. I found myself in tough situation after and another, but he always came through with a timely phone call or meeting, wherever I was in the world. I have stashed away many of my favorite Michael quotes, but here are a few. When I was feeling overwhelmed during my first month at Adobe he emailed, "Always remember you are as good as them. Everything is easy once you know it". When I got my first acceptance after 17 rejections he texted, "But I never doubted the work. Or you". Or at 3am when I was in Tokyo airport losing my mind about SIGGRAPH presentations (no sleep for a day at that point), even in his one day off he said, "Take a break now. Let me work on the slides now. Send me what you have. I am serious". Michael has showed up for me time and time again.

Michael is my hero, and his super power is his big heart. He's just a wonderful human being, who wants the best for those he interacts with. And the icing on top is that he's a brilliant researcher. Since my first conference to the current moment, whenever I mention Michael's name to someone who knows him, they light up and always tell me about their favorite story with him. Even halfway across the world in Japan, I found a warm embrace when my colleagues learned I was Michael's student. I've never really seen anything like it, but its just inspirational. I was just a boy (19 years) when I started working with Michael and far more impressionable. He guided me through this key period of my life and thanks to him, I have come out as perhaps a good researcher, but more importantly compassionate and caring man. To be "Michael's student" is the title I hold highest in my life. Although my family is not very religious, we believe that a teacher is a manifestation of god. It was always something my parents said, but only after working with Michael do I feel it to be true.

I will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I have to Michael, but I will strive to be caring, curious, and adventurous in whatever the future holds for me. And to continue his great work, I will always take care of the people who I work with. Michael, I hope you know that you have a lifelong supporter in me. I will drop anything at anytime if you or your family requires me.