Matt joined the OE team in 2009 and has been fortunate to dive with many skilled and talented instructors, as well as help develop students as they pursue their diving adventures. 

Matt’s dive-related interests include underwater pottery, technical enriched air snorkeling, classical Greek P-valve philosophy, DIN valve conversion therapy, and artisanal Cotol based cocktails.  When he has sold enough plasma to afford a boat ticket, Matt’s favorite dive sites include the wrecks of the Nostromo, the Easy-E, and the Buca di Beppo.

Matt was awarded his Doctorate from San Diego State University with a focus on Ethno statistical marine relationship studies and their impact on the family structure of orphaned Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) and has received research grants from Aquaseal, Ocean Titan, and the Kingdom of Zamunda. 

He also holds certifications through Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) although he was excommunicated from the prestigious organization due to a sticker on his backplate that was deemed an entanglement hazard.

A proponent of self-sufficient propulsion, Matt is also the President of the Southern California chapter of the Anti Splitfin Coalition (ASC).