Matthew Emery is a Senior Research Assistant at the MSU Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED). In May 2023, Matthew will graduate from MSU with two Bachelor of Arts degrees: Global and International Studies, concentrating on International Development, and Women’s and Gender Studies, focusing on Race, Gender, History, and Ethnicity. Matthew will also graduate with two minors, Peace and Justice Studies and Leadership of Organizations. Matthew currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Spartan Global Development Fund, a student-run nonprofit focused on sustainable social and economic empowerment through interest-free loans to aspiring entrepreneurs in developing countries. In addition, Matthew is also an Undergraduate Learning Assistant and Student Support Specialist in the department of Mathematics. During his undergraduate career, Matthew has also had the opportunity to independently research the historic, and present-day, causes and potential solutions to the lagging High School completion rates of Mexican Immigrants and second-generation Hispanics in the United States. This is in addition to his research into women’s contemporary role in varying societies and how this impacts culture(s).

Since joining the CCED in December 2019, Matthew has had the opportunity to work on the Regional Economic Innovation team. Being a Senior Research Assistant at the Center has allowed Matthew to explore his interests in community building, project development and implementation, and digital content creation. Matthew manages the Center’s social media, produces and edits website content, and plays a key role in the success of the annual Innovate Michigan! Summit. Matthew has also hosted podcasts, edited grant proposals, assisted with research, designed creative content, and assisted in onboarding new Research Assistants. During his 3 years at the Center, Matthew has been able to creatively explore his varying interests while gaining practical experience for his future post-graduation.

Matthew is looking forward to his graduation in May and eager to put his education and professional experience into practice!