A West Kingston native, Michael graduated from South Kingstown High School in 2004. He went on to earn an A.B. in international relations, magna cum laude, from Brown University, where he was active in university governance and various student groups. Today, he works in Washington, DC at at the International Crisis Group, the world's leading source for conflict analysis and prevention. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

In his spare time, Michael studies and performs all manner of vocal music, earning numerous awards and honor ensemble selections for his work.