Cohort 8
Matt Simon
EDUCATION • M.S. in Biological Sciences Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University • B.A. in Biology Wartburg College
ENROLLED • Cohort 8
LOCATION • Decorah, Iowa
From the coalfields of Appalachia to the soggy wetlands of Wisconsin, Matt Simon’s experiences have pushed him to see how humans interact with their habitats and how negative environmental impacts can be mitigated. Growing up, Matt always felt a desire to do “something environmental” to make the world a better place. After earning a BA in biology from Wartburg College, Matt earned a master’s degree from Virginia Tech; there, he examined how coal mining has impacted Appalachia’s rivers and streams. This was his first intensive exposure to humans’ negative impact on their environments. Later, working as a consultant in the coalfields provided a chance to really see how industry, communities, and the environment interact in a messy web of economic, social and ecological connections. This interdisciplinary experience led him to do substantial doctoral work in restoration ecology at UW-Madison, looking at invasive species ecology in wetland ecosystems. He did not finish that degree for family reasons and subsequently wore hats in industry and as a stay-at-home dad, eventually settling in the Driftless region of Iowa. Matt has been teaching community college science students for a number of years. Matt realized that sustainability is almost never a priority in many Iowan educational systems. He believes educational institutions should be forward- thinking places that showcase innovative, progressive ideas but are falling short of those goals. Matt’s research interest is to examine educational systems through a sustainability lens; helping these institutions to become more sustainable entities, provide educational opportunities to students and staff, and exhibit real- world examples of how organizations and systems can be sustainable in our new climate reality. He believes an intentional focus on sustainability can help improve humans’ actions, thoughts, and lives, making our modern world better. Matt lives with his partner, his four children, three step-children and two giant hairy dogs in an occasionally very crowded home. Year round activities in the Driftless region’s outdoor areas are staple activities, but rugby is Matt’s real recreational pursuit. Even in his 40s, he is too stubborn to stop this foolishness as he refuses to grow up or slow down, even as his body shouts in protest.
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Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability
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