Michael has a background in product design, having previously studied Industrial and Interaction Design at Syracuse University. Prior to beginning graduate work at Cornell he worked as a product designer in corporate and consulting environments. This included five years as a footwear designer at New Balance in Boston, and five years working in a range of industries including medical devices, industrial equipment, and consumer products at Brownlie Design in Skaneateles, NY.

Michael has previously taught undergraduate courses in the Syracuse Industrial Design program, including Human Factors for Designers, and Product Systems. He is currently pursuing the Masters of Art in Design degree with a concentration in Sustainable Design Studies. His interests center on the ways personal connections with products may have implications for more sustainable product use and consumption.