Michael received his undergraduate degree in Marine Science from the University of San Diego in 2008. As an undergraduate, Michael conducted underwater field work in several locations in the Caribbean as part of a research project that examined the impacts of terrestrial development on coral reefs. After graduating, Michael worked as a field research technician in both the Caribbean and the Antarctic before beginning his graduate studies at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marine Science. 

Michael grew up outside of Boston and was never far from the ocean. His passion for the ocean was solidified through countless days at the beach exploring tide pools and reading every book the local library had about sharks.  He became SCUBA certified at the age of 14 and has never looked back. Today, Michael is a NAUI instructor and he uses SCUBA to conduct his research.  

Currently, Michael is conducting a year-long field experiment to investigate the potential impacts of climate change on the kelp forest ecosystems of central California. Specifically, he is studying how giant kelp plants recover from damage caused by waves, which are expected to become more powerful as our climate continues to change. By understanding the physiologic responses of giant kelp to climate-driven disturbances, Michael is working to more accurately forecast how these critically important ecosystems will respond to future climate change.