Matthew Kollman is a member of the 2021-2022 North Carolina STEM Policy Fellowship cohort.  This program was launched in 2020 to recruit early career STEM professionals with advanced degrees from NC universities to work for the State of North Carolina.  Hosted by the Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Department of Commerce, he will be conducting analysis to promote advances in science and technology, driving economic development in communities across the state.

Kollman is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State University’s College of Natural Resources.  His research interests have focused on developing fuels, chemicals, and materials sourced from a renewable resource, specifically a byproduct of the pulp and paper manufacturing process.  Prior to entering graduate school, he was an engineering consultant for the pulp and paper industry where he had the opportunity to work with clients across the southeast to help design and evaluate capital improvement projects.  During this time, he became interested in developing technologies to contribute towards rural economic development.  He then got involved in science policy while serving on the Legislative Affairs subcommittee of the NC State Graduate Student Association.  He is grateful and excited to be granted a unique opportunity to learn more about science policy while serving his home state.

Matt Kollman holds dual B.S. degrees in paper science and chemical engineering from NC State University and an M.S in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  He is also licensed as a professional engineer in North Carolina.  Born and raised in NC, he currently lives in Durham with his partner, Amanda. He can be reached at (919) 814-4763 and matthew.kollman@nccommerce.com.