Michael received his Ph.D. with an emphasis on Russian/Soviet political history, focusing on contemporary Central Asia from the University of Kansas in 2004. He has taught various courses in European and Middle Eastern history at Shippensburg University. His academic work explores political dynamics and historical contexts within Soviet history, particularly regarding Central Asia. In his role as an Associate Teaching Professor at Penn State Harrisburg, he is dedicated to advancing students' understanding of historical events and their impacts on current geopolitical situations. His approach in the classroom emphasizes critical thinking and the evaluation of different historical perspectives, encouraging students to engage with complex historical narratives and their relevance in today's world.