Prior to studying psychology Mike worked extensively with disabled people and people affected with severe mental illness. He graduated in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth in 1996. After his degree he went on to work as a qualitative researcher in mental health and disability services. He returned to Higher Education in 2004 where he worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and later a qualitative methods lecturer, at the University of Portsmouth until August 2011. Mike started at the University of East London in September 2011. 

Mike currently enjoys teaching qualitative and quantitative research methods and is especially interested in the practical application of a wide range of qualitative methods and the theory and philosophy that underpin them. In addition to teaching he is co-module leader for 3^rd year research projects and personal tutor and research supervisor to undergraduate, postgraduate and professional doctorate students. 

Mike completed his PhD in June 2011. Entitled: On being human in depersonalise places: A critical analysis of community psychiatric practice, the thesis was a critical analysis of how contemporary systems of psychiatric practice exacerbate the negative experiences of living with severe mental illness. Mike continues to enjoy merging his practical background and his critical theoretical perspective in his current research.