Michel earned his BSc and MSc degrees in Civil Engineering (Cum Laude) and PhD degree in estuarine oceanography from Delft University of Technology. As a team leader Dredging Research & Development at Van Oord, he provides expertise in dredging projects with emphasis on fluid mechanical, geotechnical, geomechanical and mechanical aspects related to new build/modification of equipment, working strategies, automation and dredging construction project support.