User:Michaelgeza/MichaelG.Novak

Michael G. Novak (born Dec 10 1976) is an American Singer/Songwriter/Marine Scientist born in Piscataway, NJ. His musical career spans over a decade with two studio releases as well as a live album recorded in Seattle, WA during his national tour in 2008. He graduated with a B.S. in Marine Science from Stockton State college and went on to receive a M.S. from the University of New Hampshire in Oceanography. He is currenly working as a research associate on a NASA project entitled "Impacts of Climate Variability on Primary Production throughout the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine" at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD.

Early Years

Mike was born to Debra and Steve Novak in central NJ near Rutgers University. His Grandfather Geza Novak was a saxophone player in various Big Band projects and performed regulary in NY and NJ with his band named the "Novatones". Music filled Mike's life from a very young age starting with brass instruments in grade school evolving into guitars and singing throughout middle and high school. In addition Mike was a radio DJ, acted in plays and musicals, and was a leader in the environmental organization at Piscataway High School.

College

Mike attendeed Stockton State college in southern NJ where he attained a Marine Science degree and served as director one of the oldest environmental groups in the country S.A.V.E. Through the group he was able to organize environmental fairs, musical benefits, and outreach programs. During this period he planned, promoted, and performed in events that featured well know artists such as Keller Williams, Foxtrot Zulu, and G Love and Special Sauce. After graduating in 2000 he recorded a five song self titled demo album in his friend Tim Foster's basement and booked some shows out west to support the music. He traveled for five months with his Dog Shyah playing at venues and busking in streets in Co and Ca.

Graduate School

Mike played music and traveled in central and south america for a year and a half after completing his bachelors degree. He was accepted to the Earth Science department at the University of New Hampshire in 2001 and studied Biological Oceanography. While attendind he hosted a popular radio program called "Live and Local" on the college radio station WUNH 91.3 which featured live performances by himself and local and regional artists. He also hosted a weekly open mic at a local pub called the "tin Palace" in Durham, NH. He finished his degree in 2004 and was hired by the Institute for the Study of Earth Ocean and Space at UNH as a research technician and later as a scientist. http://stargeza.com