Michael Lucas

Michael Lucas is a Fulbright Scholar and a Visiting Fellow with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University for the 2023-2024 academic year. Michael is a PhD candidate at the University of Arizona with a research focus on comparative Indigenous economic development between Native American and Indigenous Australian groups.

In his dissertation, Michael applies Indigenous nation building concepts to the Australian native title system to further explore the importance of Indigenous governance, effective institutions, and agreement-making processes. Specifically, his work focuses on using both quantitative and qualitative methods research to better understand the driving economic and institutional factors necessary to further Indigenous self-determination.

Prior to moving to the U.S., Michael worked for the Central Land Council, the largest Indigenous landholding body in Australia. During this time, he primarily conducted cultural heritage work with traditional owners in central Australia. In addition, Michael has significant experience in intellectual property protection of Indigenous knowledges. Michael’s past academic experience includes a Masters in Global Development from Griffith University, Australia. His undergraduate degrees are a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) from the University of Queensland, Australia.