Upon completing his BA in Philosophy in 2007 at UCCS, Michael was employed by USAA as a financial specialist servicing military personnel and their family members. He worked in several markets including 3 years in Colorado Springs, 3 years in Phoenix, and 2 years in Washington D.C. His company responsibilities included PR collaboration at various defense contracting expos, training new teams, and updating training curriculum for learning system departments. After returning to Colorado Springs in 2014, Michael transitioned back into academia, started his MCJ graduate program, and worked for the School of Public Affairs (SPA) as an assistant researcher/technical writer.

With a year left until he completes the program, Michael now works primarily as a SPA assistant researcher synthesizing studies and providing correctional data for the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). His contributions for SPA and CDOC include white paper reports and research briefs in topics such as female offender needs, offender reentry, and correctional industries. Michael enjoys travelling, road trips, live jazz music, and working on vehicles. However, of all the activities he appreciates writing the most, and looks forward to making additional contributions to SPA, CDOC, and the academic community as a whole.