Mike holds a doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Ghent, Belgium and a Master of Philosophy degree from Southampton University UK. He has been a pioneer of ICP-MS, working with the technique since its commercial launch in 1985. His research interests centre on trace metals analysis and include source apportionment of lead in clinical and environmental samples; use of isotope dilution for characterisation of reference materials; determination of depleted uranium in post-conflict environments (the Balkans and Kuwait); interlaboratory studies and marine environmental pollution monitoring.
Mike has given invited and plenary lectures at major scientific conferences and is the author of twenty peer reviewed scientific publications and innumerable reports. He has run training courses in trace analysis in Monaco, Durban, Vienna and Tehran and mentored fellows from all over the world. He has worked for the Universities of Southampton and Ghent, the CNRS and the International Atomic Energy Agency. He is currently working as a freelance writer and editor.