Mike received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving to Melbourne, Australia, for four years of post-doctoral and industrial work, including a short stint working a vintage at an Australian winery. Upon returning to the States, Mike worked in the pharmaceutical industry in drug development for 20+ years, concentrating on the treatment of pediatric cancer. In 2019, Mike left drug development to work independently as a pharmaceutical consultant and real-estate rehabilitation/developer.

Throughout his life, Mike has been concerned about environmental and sustainability issues and determined to do what he can to preserve the health of the planet for future generations and set a good example for those around him. For decades, he has been composting, backyard gardening, recycling (reuse where possible), and donating to conservation-focused charities. After installing a rainwater harvesting cistern through the Community Conservation Assistance Program of the NC Soil and Water Conservation District, Mike immediately saw the benefits of such programs. When he was asked to be on the board of the Urban Sustainability Services (USS), he jumped at the opportunity to expand environmental solutions to the broader community.