Student Spotlight

Meet Michael Kane, a Computer Engineering senior from Harare, Zimbabwe. Coming to BYU to study engineering was a dream for Michael for as long as he could remember. While Michael still lived in Zimbabwe, a friend from his mission suggested that he apply to Ensign College. Michael enrolled in the Ensign College International program, which brought him to Utah. There, he met his wife, Gina, through the dating app Mutual, and they dated for two years before getting married in the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple.

The decision to serve a mission came as an unexpected turn in his journey after sincere prayer and fasting. He hadn’t originally planned to serve, but looking back, he sees how that decision shaped his life in meaningful ways.

“The friendships and connections I made on my mission helped me get to where I am now,” he reflects.

After his mission and earning a degree in computer science from Ensign College, Michael followed his lifelong goal and enrolled at BYU to study computer engineering. For him, the major felt like the perfect fit.

“Computer engineering connects my love for circuits and system design,” Michael says. “It brings everything together.”That academic fit paired with the sense of connection he felt on his mission continue to define Michael’s experience in the College of Engineering. When asked what helps him feel included, he points to the people around him, especially the academic advisors.

“They show you opportunities that are there for you and things you didn’t know about,” he says.

Michael has also found support and belonging in places many students might overlook, like the library.

“Every book you can think of is there, especially for engineering,” he says.

Still, his favorite place at BYU isn’t the library; it’s the ECEn shop. For Michael, it’s more than just a convenient place to pick up cheaper parts.

“There are so many people willing to help you with whatever you’re working on,” he explains. “It feels more like a hangout spot than a shop.”

Outside of engineering, Michael enjoys spending time on the golf course or watching anime — simple hobbies that give him a chance to recharge. As a first-generation college student, Michael understands the weight and significance of what he’s accomplishing.

“Walking across the stage feels like something impossible, but being able to do it is exciting,” he says. “It represents all the hard work I’ve put in. And if I can do it, I hope others know they can too.”

His advice to fellow engineering students reflects both humility and honesty. “Engineering isn’t easy. Sometimes you feel like you’re the only one struggling, but you’re not. Talk to your classmates. Build friendships and study groups. It helps you realize you’re not alone.”

At the time of this spotlight, Michael and his wife have just welcomed their first child, a little daughter, into their family. As he looks at this new chapter, Michael has already begun to feel a deeper sense of love and perspective.

“I can already feel how much I love my child,” he shares. “It’s helped me better understand the love God has for all of His children.”

Michael’s journey from Zimbabwe to BYU is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of connection. Whether in the classroom, the lab, or the ECEn shop, he continues to build not only his future as an engineer but also a life centered on growth, service, and belonging.