Matthew knows the benefit of having a faculty mentor on campus. With the help and support of professor Dimitrios Koutmos, he modified his on-campus Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) and took it in a different direction, going from investor sentiment in the stock market to the investor sentiment and performance of the aerospace industry. “I was able to learn a lot of things about the industry I will one day work in, which gives me an edge compared to other engineers,” he says.

Although he commutes to campus, he has taken on a number of leadership roles within the WPI community, serving as vice president of finance for the Interfraternity Council, president of the Aerospace Engineering Honor Society, and sustainability chair of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. “Being chosen to lead such groups is a big responsibility that gives you valuable leadership and accountability skills,” he says.

Matthew says being part of a fraternity allows him the opportunity to have a great relationship with alumni fraternity brothers. “Every year we have reunions and I am able to see how they have advanced in their careers, whether it be moving up to management or starting their own company. I believe WPI gives its graduates the necessary interdisciplinary education that allows upward career mobility.”

Following graduation, he hopes to work in the aerospace industry prior to getting his MBA to start his own company.