Matthew Rochat
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
PhD-trained researcher and educator with eight years of experience analyzing policy, managing multi-stakeholder projects, and communicating findings to diverse audiences. Skilled in data analysis, writing decision memos, and leading collaborative teams. Committed to public service, equity, and evidence-based solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Associate & Graduate Researcher
UCSB
09.2017 - 09.2025
- Led research projects on infrastructure, trade, and development
- Built original datasets, analyzed trade flows, and produced technical reports
- Fielded a worker survey in West Africa
- Instructor of record for international relations and political economy courses
- Presented findings to academic and public audiences
Boren Fellow (Ghana)
Defense Language and National Security Education Office
10.2024 - 05.2025
- Conducted research on China’s West African engagement in maritime ports
- Produced research reports and academic briefings
Refugee Mentor
International Institute of Minnesota
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Supported refugee families with housing, employment, and social integration
International Business Analyst
E.M. Wasylik Associates
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Conducted market research for firms expanding into international markets
- Authored reports and presentations summarizing risks and recommendations
English Language Assistant
TAPIF, French Ministry of Ed.
09.2013 - 06.2015
- Taught English in French public schools and designed curriculum
Education
Ph.D. - Political Science
University of California Santa Barbara
09-2025
M.A. - Political Science
University of California Santa Barbara
12-2020
B.A. - International Studies and French
University of Wisconsin Madison
05-2015
Skills
- Policy analysis
- Program evaluation
- Project coordination
- Grant writing
- Qualitative methods
- Statistical programming
- Economic and trade data analysis
- Classroom instruction
- Academic co-authorship
- Stakeholder engagement
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Boren Fellow (Ghana)
Defense Language and National Security Education Office
10.2024 - 05.2025
Teaching Associate & Graduate Researcher
UCSB
09.2017 - 09.2025
Refugee Mentor
International Institute of Minnesota
08.2016 - 08.2017
International Business Analyst
E.M. Wasylik Associates
09.2015 - 05.2016
English Language Assistant
TAPIF, French Ministry of Ed.
09.2013 - 06.2015
Ph.D. - Political Science
University of California Santa Barbara
M.A. - Political Science
University of California Santa Barbara
B.A. - International Studies and French
University of Wisconsin Madison
Fellowships Grants Awards
• Mercatus Center Gordon Tullock Fellowship | 2025–2026
• Common Ground Emerging Scholar Award | 2025
• DLNSEO Boren Fellowship (Ghana) | 2024–2025
• Mercatus Center Carl Menger Fellowship | 2024–2025
• Mercatus Center Adam Smith Fellowship | 2023–2024
• Canadian Foreign Policy Journal Best Paper Award | 2023
Selected Publications
- Measuring Influence: Chinese Economic Engagement in Africa
- Smart Sanctions: Myanmar and Zimbabwe | Journal of Asian and African Studies
- Inequality in Advanced Democracies | International Review of Economics
- China’s Investments in West African Ports | Real Clear World
- China and the Global Aviation Industry | The Diplomat
- Beijing’s Vision for the Global South | Fletcher Forum of World Affairs
Government And Advisory Service
Academic Advisory Committee Member, UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, Contributed expertise on annual report as part of an academic advisory committee