Honours Bachelor of Arts, Political Science • Western University
Bio
Matt graduated from Western University in 2020 with his bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Matt’s academic focuses during his degree largely revolved around studying and analyzing international climate policy and negotiations. Long before beginning at Western, Matt knew he wanted to play a strong role in lessening and addressing the effects of the climate crisis but found himself unsure where to direct this energy. Throughout his undergraduate degree he had anticipated working within government or policy-based roles based on his area of study, but after graduating Matt found himself in an unanticipated role that would change his trajectory.
In February 2020, after a two-week campaign, Matt was elected by the 34,000 undergraduate students at Western University to be their President for the coming year. It was clear that this role was going to be one of his greatest challenges yet but had no idea what awaited him a month later. Transitioning from student to President & CEO of one of the largest not-for-profit organizations in London, ON, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging but exciting experiences of Matt’s life and showed him the perspective and power, of purpose-driven organizations.
In this year, Matt saw the scale and speed at which business can operate and as such took the opportunity to re-imagine the organization’s strategic planning process and to author its first ever Sustainability Framework. This project as well as the experience of learning from the staff and stakeholders he interacted with throughout his term are ultimately what led him to seek a career where he can combine his passion for environmental action with the agility and excitement of business.
Since completing his time at Western in 2021, Matt has gained valuable skills from his time working in marketing and communications with Bud Light and Whistler Blackcomb respectively and is excited to bring those experiences with him to his next team. While these were amazing opportunities, Matt is truly excited to join the MScSM program, so that he can dedicate his efforts towards making positive environmental changes as soon as possible. Matt sees no better field to bring his extensive experience in team leadership, innovative thought, and tireless drive, so that he can follow his father’s advice given to him while camping as a child: to leave our planet better than he found it.
In his free time, Matt spends as much time as possible outdoors. Whether that be backcountry ski touring, rock climbing or hiking, you will find Matt anywhere where there is fresh air and a new place to explore.
Matt's MScSM Internship: Maple Leaf Foods
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Matt's Research Poster
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