Matt Cooper is a dedicated teaching professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who is passionate about teaching. He thinks chemical engineering is fascinating and considers it a privilege to explain the workings of Mother Nature to his students and work in a field where he can have a meaningful impact. He recognizes the importance of identifying the most effective ways to support students with a careful balance of caring, understanding, and fairness. In fact, he has been involved in research projects that focus on enhancing student-teacher relationships, which he views as essential to effective learning.

Matt plays a key role in coordinating his department’s accreditation efforts and is incredibly proud that CBE recently passed their ABET review with flying colors, a testament to years of hard work by a dedicated team. In August, he will also use his teaching experience at the New Faculty Orientation Workshop hosted by the OFDS to co-lead the first two days of the four-day workshop with Sarah Heckman, Director of Undergraduate Programs and a Full Teaching Professor in the Department of Computer Science to present innovative techniques aimed at enhancing teaching and classroom management. Following Lisa Bullard’s retirement, he is stepping into this role and is ready to share his experience with new faculty. 

Growing up in West Virginia, Matt spent much of his time immersed in the great outdoors, an activity he still cherishes today. In his free time, he loves gardening, especially cultivating heirloom tomatoes from seeds he’s propagated over the years from his late grandmother. Furthermore, he hikes several times a week, sometimes at his favorite spot, Eno River State Park.

He’s also an avid fantasy sports enthusiast, recently clinching back-to-back championships in his 14-team friends and family football league. He enjoys listening to podcasts like Threedom, Pen Pals, and Comedy Bang, which feature his favorite comedians, making him a self-proclaimed comedy nerd. 

If you’re in the mood for a good non-fiction read, Matt suggests a new favorite, The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver, along with his current read, Relationship-Rich Education by Peter Felten and Leo Lambert. 

We’re grateful to Matt for taking the time to tell us about himself and his contributions to the COE community!