Mike Gibson was born in Dallas and grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of an engineer and independent oilman.  He is a chemical engineer, receiving both his Bachelor’s and Master’s from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from Rice University.  His time at Rice was interrupted by Army service, as a Corps of Engineers Officer.  

Most of his active duty, he was assigned to NASA Johnson Space Center, just in time for the Apollo 13 accident and rescue. This was certainly one of the highlights of his career. 

After his discharge and Ph.D. completion, he worked for 10 years with Exxon Research, during the Arab oil embargo to convert coal and oil shale to conventional gas and liquid fuels. 

When energy prices fell in the early ‘80s, Exxon halted this work.  At this time, he co-founded a contract research and manufacturing business, making specialty chemicals for a variety of private and government clients.  He remains active as a research and engineering consultant.