Matthew is a graduating senior at Columbia College pursuing a major in Political Science and a concentration in Human Rights. During his time at Columbia, he has focused on activities to advance human rights and build inclusive communities. While serving the Columbia Policy Institute as President and previously as Energy and Environment Center Director, Matthew has driven and facilitated progressive political action in our community, created opportunities for other students to build skills, and demonstrated the potential of student policy advocacy. This has resulted in research reports, op-eds, and advocacy campaigns on issues from fossil fuel divestment to local housing policy. Matthew is also deeply interested in the causes of mass violence and in international human rights law, with a focus on protecting vulnerable civilians. This has led him to become a Saltzman Student Scholar as well as to conduct research with Columbia professors on humanitarian intervention and terrorism. Off campus, Matthew has interned in the Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar and at the National Academy of Public Administration.