He graduated with a PhD from Cornell University and subsequently held a number of short-term positions in the US.
His book on the origins of agriculture, published in 1984, was hailed as a major innovative contribution to the field.
In 1989, he was recruited to the University of Western Australia, where he worked until his dismissal and involvement in the Rindos affair.
Following this, he worked in organizations including Volunteers in Service to America and New York Public Interest Research Group.
Michael Straight is identified in his obituary in the Vineyard Gazette as the grandfather of Willow and Noah.