He is a social psychologist and teaches courses in Social Psychology, Altruism and Aggression, Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination, Social Influence and Persuasion, Science and Pseudoscience, as well as traditional experimental classes in Statistics and Research Methods. His research interests parallel his teaching and include international human rights, interpersonal and mass violence, hate groups, and peace psychology. Michael has co-authored several chapters and articles with Dr. Linda Woolf examining these areas. He is also a past officer and the current newsletter editor for the Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology Division 48 of the American Psychological Association.