Get to know Matt
Please describe the UPP-funded or affiliated project(s) you worked on?
My research focus was on hydrology and ecohydrology in Oregon with a focus on urban and managed systems. I worked on the Bethany Lake project, which investigated urban hydrology, stream temperature, nutrient dynamics, and harmful algal blooms.
Who are your USGS supervisor and PSU advisor?
Jen Morse (jlmorse@pdx.edu) and Justin Reale (jreale@usgs.gov)
Provide a link to your project website, publication, or presentation (if applicable).
ORCID Profile
What were your primary responsibilities/roles of your research position?
My primary role was as a graduate student - I conducted research including field work. I continue to work with UPP as a USGS Hydrologist. Bethany Lake was part of my thesis with a focus on temperature dynamics. As a USGS employee, I also served as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the project.
What did you learn from this experience? What skills did you gain from your research experience?
I learned a lot but most importantly what motivates me in my career, how to design a scientific study, and the budgeting and management of resources.
What aspects of your project did you enjoy the most?
I’ve really enjoyed interpreting the data and connecting it to the research questions we aim to answer. I also loved being able to dig deeper into a topic.
What are you doing now?
I'm working with a UPP-supported student on the same Bethany Lakes project. I'm also continuing to work at USGS ORWSC as a hydrologist and leading/co-leading other investigations.
Which PSU courses have been the most useful to you in your job(s) since graduation? Why?
The most practical are ESM 566 and 567, both are statistic courses specifically dealing with quirks typically associated with environmental data. The most interesting courses were Ecological Restoration, Ecology of Streams and Rivers, and Snow Hydrology. These were the courses that both introduced me to new concepts and also allowed me to go deep on a topic of my interest thanks to term projects.
Are there any courses you now wish you had taken at PSU, based on your job requirements? Why?
I wish I could have taken a limnology course, but none was offered at the time I was a student. I'm now working on several projects focused on reservoir patterns and management.