Previously, Michael was Associate Professor of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis, where he also was the Director of the Environmental Policy study program. Prior to that, he held a faculty position at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Between 2008 and 2021, he was a post-doctoral researcher at ETH Zurich after having completed his PhD in Political Science at the University of Konstanz in 2008. 

Michael's research interests are in international and comparative political economy, economic and environmental policy, and political behavior and survey methods. His interdisciplinary research agenda explores research questions that figure prominently in both political science and economics. His academic work investigates how countries can address economic and environmental risks that tend to require redistribution. Current projects focus on the drivers of mass support for global climate action and the impact of economic crises and natural disasters on elections. We invite you to check out his publications and research program on his website: http://mbechtel.com/ 

We are excited and very fortunate to be able to welcome Michael as our new colleague and we wish Michael a great start in Cologne!