Matt developed an interest in engineering at an early age. “I loved to work on projects with my dad, who also graduated from USU as a Civil Engineering major.  I am sure I wasn’t as much help as I thought I was for the first few years.  In my teenage years we would start with an idea, draw up plans, and build it.” That interest continued through high school where Matt was nominated for the Engineering State program at USU by his physics teacher. After receiving his bachelor’s degree with a minor in Japanese language at USU, he was awarded a fellowship to the University of Wyoming where he completed his master’s degree. Since joining ARW in 2000, Matt has worked on a variety of projects, but seismic evaluation and rehabilitation projects seem to gravitate to his desk.  This experience has contributed to his interest in participating on the ASCE 41 committee, the committee that produces the US standard for the Seismic Evaluation and Rehabilitation of buildings.  Matt was also honored to be part of a post-earthquake team that evaluated several religious buildings in Japan after the 2011 Sendai/Fukushima earthquake.

Matt believes that building strong families is vital to building strong communities and enjoys spending time with his family and serving in the community where he has served on the Planning Commission in two of the cities he has lived in since starting with ARW.  His favorite time with family lately has been cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers and other local baseball teams.

Speaking of the Dodgers, you may hear Vin Scully’s voice coming from Matt’s office on a summer evening if he is working late letting everyone know, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!”