Matt Alexander (he/him)
Design Thinking Facilitator

01. introduction

Matt grew up with sustainability as a core part of his life. His father was a high school biology teacher, so from a young age he was drawn to conservation, biodiversity, animals, and nature. Now, Matt continues to delve into environmental issues with a focus on transportation. He spent the last two years working at the California Energy Commission leading their light-duty electric vehicle infrastructure analysis and planning. 

02. experience

During his time at the California Energy Commission, Matt has led numerous workshops and stakeholder meetings to help organizations think through complex analytical problems such as modeling vehicle-to-grid charging. His ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and compelling ways made him a go to facilitator in this space. He uses empathetic design by speaking with stakeholders to identify key barriers facing the EV industry, prototyping funding solicitations targeting solutions to these challenges, and ultimately determining which projects to fund. 

Matt believes it is critical to preserve our natural resources and safeguard the biodiversity that makes our world so unique. He is most at peace exploring nature and new places, and hopes to preserve these opportunities for generations to come.

03. education

• Pomona College, B.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering

• Stanford University, M.S. Atmosphere/Energy Engineering

04. what sustains matt

In his free time, Matt is sustained by exercise. This year, he started doing triathlons and Spartan Races as a way to stay healthy, clear his mind, and push himself. He loves embracing his goal oriented spirit and having an outlet where he can compete with himself and continue seeing progress and results. 

05. favorite tree

The mangrove tree. Matt loves the ocean and marine life, and mangroves are the only tree that can grow in saltwater. Not only that, but mangroves are a key natural barrier against storm surges and flooding, nursery and home for fish and other wildlife, and carbon sink. Mangroves combine his drive to fight climate change with his love for the natural world.