of Ontario, CA, passed away on June 26th, 2009, at age 27. He was a dedicated & focused scientist, known for his intelligence & talent & especially for his quick wit & sense of humor. Michael's interests included hiking, strategy games, cinema, myt hology, in-jokes, & genealogy. Michael graduated from Chaffey High School in 2000. There he was active in the Astronomy club. He moved on to Cal Poly Pomona, where he majored in Physics. He was recruited by the physics department at Cal State Northridge, where he began in a new program of experimental nanophysics. He was nearly finished with his masters degree & planned to go on for a PhD. He is survived by his parents Bob & Toni Dickson & his sister Julianne.