Buyer Group International, Inc. announced that Dr. Michael Curran, an Expert in His Field with a PhD in Ecology, has been appointed as the New Head of Environmental Sustainability. Dr. Michael Curran is an ecologist who holds certifications as a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) and a Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB). Upon finishing his academic degrees, he was awarded both the top M.S. and top Ph.D. student awards in the country by the American Society of Reclamation Sciences.

He devised methodologies to enhance the monitoring of reclamation and restoration, resulting in improved data accuracy and a reduction in field work time by a factor of 10 to 40. Additionally, he was a trailblazer in utilizing spatially explicit dashboards to promptly communicate reclamation monitoring findings, enabling well-informed decision-making and facilitating the interpretation of data. Mike collaborated with 26 oil and gas companies to submit reclamation and restoration data to the Conservation Efforts Database of the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

This was done before the 2015 decision to list the Greater Sage-grouse as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The USFWS recognized and appreciated Mike's valuable contributions. He has expertise in applying the reclamation monitoring and reporting tools he created to the monitoring of conservation banks.

Mike possesses expertise in crafting reclamation plans that surpass mere compliance with regulatory standards, focusing instead on the restoration of food webs and the establishment of habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Mike possesses a PhD in Ecology, as well as a Master's degree in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management, and a Graduate Minor in Statistics. Before attending graduate school, Mike was employed in the field of documentary video production, specializing in the coverage of social and environmental matters.

Following the completion of his graduation studies, he secured a post-doctoral research position in Mississippi, where he focused on investigating the potential applications of drones in wildlife monitoring. Subsequently, he gained employment at a prominent plant nursery in New Jersey, specializing in the cultivation and sale of indigenous plants for the purpose of restoring ecosystem services in suburban environments. Dr. Curran has conducted workshops and presented at more than 65 conferences and symposia in the United States and Canada.

He holds the position of editor for Reclamation Matters and serves as an associate editor for both Natural Areas Journal and Reclamation Sciences. Mike has served as an ocean lifeguard since 2002 and is currently a member of the Southern Monmouth After-Hours Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) for open water emergencies. Additionally, he volunteers as a first responder with the Wall Community First Aid Squad.

He derives pleasure from engaging in maritime sports, road and mountain riding, exploring the outdoors, and embarking on journeys to different places.