Michael Alan Welch (born July 25, 1987) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as the popular Mike Newton in the Twilight Saga franchise (2008-2011), Mack Thompson on Syfy's Z Nation (2014), Luke Girardi on CBS's Joan of Arcadia (2003-2005), Butte Whipple in The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (2001), and Artim in Star Trek: Insurrection (1998).