Catching Up with Marty Matlock

Marty Matlock received his Ph.D. in biosystems engineering from Oklahoma State University. Currently he serves as the Executive Director of the University of Arkansas Resiliency Center and Professor of Ecological Engineering in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He has made an impact through his development of specialized courses, his expert supervision of students, and his ability to conduct competitively funded research. 

Matlock shares his expertise with farmers, industry professionals, students, and consumers by helping them develop, implement, and communicate issues of great importance to the agricultural industry and science communities. 

When asked how COVID-19 has impacted his work, Matlock responded, “I am now busier and more tightly scheduled than I have ever been. There is no down time, no evening, no weekends, and no holidays.” He starts his mornings at 7:30 AM responding to emails, grading papers, and reviewing documents. At 8:00 AM he starts Zoom calls, which often go through 6:00 PM, with some breaks. Matlock is still able to teach, so he meets with his class via Blackboard Collaborate. In the evenings he finishes the day by reading reports, writing lectures, and analyzing data.  

Matlock says his favorite and most recent research is analyzing U.S. agricultural systems to determine GHG reduction potential and carbon sequestration capacity of soils. The best piece of advice he’s received is to “say NO more often.”  

Matlock received the 2018 BCCA Award, you can read more about his accomplishments here

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