Like an explorer going down a new river, I have never been one with an exact destination in mind. I just knew to head downstream, enjoy the journey, and paddle like heck when the water got rough. I became a professor through a series of jobs and vocational and educational trysts that helped me to discover my gifts and talents -- teaching, serving, and researching in an area that met my interests and desire to help others improve their lives, health, and work.

Interests:
I thoroughly enjoy being physically active, so I like to exercise, hike, bike, whitewater kayak, and garden. If there is a “reasonable” level of thrill, I enjoy it all the more (although the older I get, the less thrill it takes to be “reasonable”).

Activities:
Being the father of two teenage daughters keeps me hopping at the moment. My activities tend to include the family, since it's a great time of life to share in their youthfulness.

Favorite books:
As an American who grew up in Canada, I missed all the U.S. History in high school, so I have been an avid reader of American History, especially historical fictions, such as the writings of Allan Eckert (eg, The Frontiersman) and Jeff Shaara (eg, The Glorious Cause).

Favorite movies:
My daughters told me to say Elf with Will Farrell because I watch it every Christmas and it makes them laugh to see me laugh at something they view as ridiculous.

Favorite TV show:
The Office. The characters are like many of the people I have worked with in my life, and I find that very amusing.

Favorite Quote:
"The surest way of spoiling a pleasure [is] to start examining your satisfaction."-- CS Lewis

professional background
Michael Peterson, Ed.D., is a professor at the University of Delaware, where he created and directs the university's Graduate Health Promotion program. He has extensive experience in health promotion and wellness-program planning, implementation, and evaluation in corporate, government, educational, and community settings. A recognized international authority on work and stress, Dr. Peterson has published and consulted extensively in the area of corporate culture, work, and health.

Degrees:
Ed.D., University of Kentucky
Medical Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine
M.A., California State University, Los Angeles
B.A., Ambassador University

Associations:

• Senior Consultant, Workplace Consultants, Inc.
• Professor and Director, Graduate Health Promotion Program, University of Delaware
• Senior Scholar, Graduate Faculty, Thomas Jefferson University
• Visiting Professor, University of Pennsylvania, Occupational Medicine
• Former Director, University of Delaware Wellness Center
• Former Assistant Professor and Wellness Director, Department of Health and Physical Education, School of Education, State University of New York at Oswego
• Former Consultant/Coordinator of Wellness Programming, Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Former Advisor to the American College of Occupational Medicine

Awards:

• Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Grant, 2004-2006
• General University Research Grant, University of Delaware, 2003
• Delaware Division of Public Health Grant, 2001-2003
• Gallup Company grant, 2001
• American Cancer Society's Generation Fit Program Grant, 1999-2001
• PEW Charitable Trust PBL Course Development Grant, 2000
• International Travel Awards
• Recognized by Thomas Jefferson and University of Pennsylvania

Appearances:

• Widely sought after speaker and consultant in workplace culture, stress, and organizational and employee health.

Publications:

• Work Stress in America, May 2005
• Work Stress ? A Socio-ecological Approach, 2003
• Work Stress ? An Individual Approach, 2003
• Creating the Dream Team: Skills for Productivity, Profit and Performance, 2002