Michael has a BSc(Hons) in Geophysics from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Computer Studies from Murdoch University (WA), and an MSc(IT) from the University of New South Wales. He began his career with Geoterrex Pty Ltd, in 1984, working on airborne EM, magnetic and radiometric projects. Mike joined Geoscience Australia(then Bureau of Mineral Resources Geology and Geophysics) in 1986 to begin a 33 year career with the organisation.

He worked on Australian continental airborne magnetic and radiometric data, was project leader of the Gravity Group and spent many years working on marine magnetic, gravity and bathymetry data and its integration with seismic and geochemical data to improve the understanding of many of the Australian offshore basins. He also provided specialist data processing, enhancement and presentation services to Geoscience Australia. Mike has extensive experience in the acquisition, processing, manipulation and imaging of large complex datasets.