Matthew is a Reader in Physical Geography and Natural Hazards and has focused his research career to date on the monitoring of GeoHazards (mainly volcanoes and earthquakes) by remote sensing, using infrared sensors that can be found on NASA/ESA satellites. He has worked more generally on geographical research involving the use of computing, programming, GIS and modelling and has also begun to focus on the humitarian side of natural hazards - in terms of risk assessment and disaster management. Matthew has regularly contributed to the broadcast and written media on the themes above.

Matthew completed his PhD at King’s College, London, where he utilised his computing and geographic skills in the remote sensing of earthquakes and volcanoes. Following this, he completed a post-doctoral position, also at King’s College London, where he worked on a project comparing urban energy balance models. During his time at King’s College, Matthew was a tutor and lecturer both there and at the London School of Economics. Matthew started a lectureship at Coventry University in 2010 and since joining, has maintained his research interests and has had the opportunity to be a visiting reseacher/lecturer at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (where he remains as Associate Faculty), the University of Hawaii, Manoa, the China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou and Sichuan University, Chengdu.

Outside of his research, Matthew has led many modules (both undergraduate and postgraduate) on themes ranging from natural hazards and their management, to more generic themes of general physical geography/geology and research skills.