Michael's academic endeavors began with the study of philosophy and computer science before venturing into the realm of theoretical physics, where his insatiable curiosity and analytical mind earned him a Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics and led to nineteen publications in refereed journals on the structure of the atomic nucleus. Transitioning into the aerospace industry, he completed executive education courses in finance at Wharton and strategy at the Brookings Institution, and rose to the role of Vice President. Ever an advocate for learning, as a lecturer of both physics and business, in just his second year after early retirement he was voted faculty of the year by MBA students at the Milgard Business School at the University of Washington.