His research focuses on individual and group human behavior as it relates to environmental stewardship and conservation. His work is situated in the social dilemma framework in which conservation over the long term is considered essential to sustaining human well-being; yet, people opt instead for their short-term self interest. He has experience in a wide variety of topics including outdoor recreation, nature-based tourism, ecosystem-based management, endangered species, and private lands conservation. For the past ten years, Michael has been applying social-psychological theories and methodologies to natural resource issues to assist with conservation-related planning and decision-making. He travels regularly to Cambodia to visit his in-laws.