Michael earned his B.A. with a major in anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley (January, 1963) and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at West Virginia University Medical School (August, 1980).  He taught at Berkeley and held faculty appointments at WVU, Southern Utah University (professor and chair, Biology Department) and Lake Superior State University (professor of biology, dean of natural and health sciences, associate provost).  He served as president of the Society for College Science Teachers, as faculty advisor to several student organizations, and as volunteer coach for students preparing for entrance exams for graduate and professional schools (MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.).  His research included projects in range management (cattle and sheep), life history and ecology of amphibians, and methods for teaching critical thinking with undergraduates.  He became known as “the resident old guy” for productions by the Department of Theater and Dance at Southern Utah University.