Matt is a native Oregonian and graduate student at Southern Oregon University pursuing a master's degree in environmental education. Before starting graduate school, Matt received a bachelor's degree in mass media studies from SOU and then moved to Los Angeles where he lived in Venice Beach and worked in media and entertainment. While in Southern California, Matt recorded an album with the band Loud as Lions titled "Birth of a Hero" (www.myspace.com/loudaslions). His love for outdoor activities includes: surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding and his recently acquired passion for disc golf. Matt loves tending to his vegetable garden and also learning about ancient historical texts, particularly the Hebrew prophets and the Torah.