Matt is the Head of Research for North Africa and the Sahel at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, overseeing applied field research and analysis on the political economy of organized crime in the two regions. He also co-leads an initiative studying the use of sanctions against transnational organized crime and corruption, as well as another on research ethics. Matt researches and writes on the study of transnational organized crime and state fragility, and policy responses to these issues, including targeted financial sanctions, security sector reform/governance and state-community engagement.

He has worked extensively on security sector reform, irregular migration, and organized crime issues throughout North Africa and the Sahel, consulted on security, development, and public health issues in East Africa, worked on transnational organized crime for the state of New Mexico, and served as a policy aide to former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

Matt has authored a number of articles, reports and book chapters. He is regularly interviewed by international media outlets, such as CNN, the BBC, Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

He holds a PhD in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, with a sub-specialization in security studies and law & development. He has a Masters in Law and Diplomacy from the same institution, and a joint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts from The College of Santa Fe.