Teaching
My teaching portfolio (PDF) has teaching evaluations from my experience as an Instructor (1 course), Teaching Assistant (2 courses), and Guest Lecturer (2 lectures).
My average ratings for teaching effectiveness* (1-5, 5 highest) are below:
| Role | N (students) | Mean | SD | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor | 12 | 4.8 | 0.4 | 5 |
| Teaching assistant | 48 | 4.1 | 0.8 | 4 |
| Guest lecturer | 66 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 4 |
| Overall | 126 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 4 |
*Please indicate the overall teaching effectiveness of the instructor/teaching assistant/guest lecturer. (5=Excellent, 4=Very good, 3=Satisfactory, 2=Fair, 1=Poor)
Instructor
- Instructor for Applied Economics Research Course (Summer 2026, UC Davis, undergraduate)
Syllabus
A five-week course mentoring students on independent research. Emphasis on designing a research question, working with data, and applying econometric techniques. Prerequisite: ARE 106 — Econometric Theory & Applications.
Teaching assistant
- TA for ARE 133 Introduction to Behavioral Economics (Fall 2026, UC Davis, undergraduate)
This course introduces behavioral economics through theory, evidence, and real-world applications. It focuses on deviations from the rational decision-making model that underpins most theoretical frameworks. We will examine how behavioral biases, time and cognitive constraints, emotions or other common or systematic deviations influence consumer choices, and may lead to suboptimal outcomes. We will explicitly link core behavioral concepts to concrete applications in markets, policy and our day to day decisions. This course is not a rejection of traditional economic theories; instead it argues that incorporating insights from the behavioral economics literature can enhance our explanatory and predictive power of consumer and producer behavior.
- TA for ARE/ECN 115A Economic Development (Winter 2026, UC Davis, undergraduate)
The world has become much richer since the 19th Century as many countries have achieved unprecedented rates of economic growth. Yet there remain many poor countries and, even in richer countries, many poor people. This course examines the process of economic development, including the determinants of poverty. We will use economics—primarily microeconomics—to describe and understand the many issues developing countries face and the constraints and motivations that govern the choices of individuals and households in these contexts. We will frequently connect our discussions to specific policy options and to the functioning of government, non-profit, and for-profit entities.
- "This TA was very approachable and was more than happy to sit down and explain certain topics during or after discussion. He demonstrated a clear motivation to help us learn and would answer any questions we had, in clear and understandable ways. He also just seemed like a chill dude and his dog was super cool too, both of which produced a vibe that made me want to come to discussion."
- TA for ARE 100B: Intermediate Microeconomics: Imperfect Competition, Markets & Welfare Economics (Winter 2026, UC Davis, undergraduate)
Price determination, and employment of resources under conditions of monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition.
- "I appreciated how this TA taught concepts in a manner that made the material understandable. I like how he used analogies to teach concepts, which made the material more easier to digest."
- "Matthew was constantly making sure we understood the problem solving process and gave us valuable time to ask questions and engage with the material."
Guest lecturer
- Guest lecture in ARE 133: Introduction to Behavioral Economics on April 7, 2026 (UC Davis, undergraduate)
Topic: “Monetary and Non-monetary Barriers to Accessing Environmental Public Benefit Programs: Experimental Evidence from California”
Inclusion of non-economic factors such as psychological principles in economic decisions and model predictions. Emphasis on behavioral principles, resulting strategies and implications for diverse market settings.
- "I like the thoughtfulness in the way he presented! He broke down concepts and then relayed how that showed in his research and findings — very comprehensible!"
- "I love how he introduced and explained everything. And how we got to talk to eachother of what we thought would happen before seeing results."
- Guest lecture in ARE 176: Environmental Economics on December 3, 2025 (UC Davis, undergraduate)
Topic: “The Pollution–Productivity Curve: Non-linear Effects and Adaptation in High-pollution Environments”
Role of the environment in economic activity and methods for protecting and enhancing environmental quality; implications of market failures for public policy; design of environmental policy; theory of welfare measurement; measuring the benefits of environmental improvement.
- "The research was very interesting and more shocking than I originally predicted!"
- "Matt was able to simplify his research to be very approachable and more easily understood."
- "He took the time to properly explain the concept! Explained everything at a college level did not overcomplicate the subject with flashy words."
- Guest talk in ARE 202A: Introduction to Applied Research Methods on September 29, 2026 (UC Davis, doctoral)
Topic: Designing a research question
Study of philosophy and methodology of applied research in agricultural economics. Methods of conceptualization of researchable topics. Method of communication and constructive criticism.
Mentoring
- Graduate Student Coordinator for Managerial Economics Undergraduate Student Café (Spring 2026, Fall 2026)
- Talks: “Effective AI use as a student” (December 2, 2026)
Training
- Diversity and Inclusion in Research, Education, and Career Training Program at UC Davis
- Center for Educational Effectiveness at UC Davis
- Active Learning: Activating Lectures (Feb 2, 2026)
- Inclusive Teaching: Planning Your First Day (Feb 10, 2026)
- Inclusive Teaching: Facilitation for Engagement (Feb 19, 2026)