Matthew Katz

Alumni Office, Human Development and Family Science

Research analyst credits FACS for providing a holistic education that allowed him to better understand people and communities

Degree/Year

BSFCS in Human Development and Family Science, May 2018

Current occupation/Location

Research Analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, Philadelphia

What has been your proudest accomplishment since graduating?

Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including schools, research centers and for the federal government.  I was also able to continue my education in graduate programs in Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania.  I am proud that every step of the way, my FACS education has given me the knowledge and skills I need to succeed. 

What was your favorite class in FACS?

My favorite class in FACS was Family Policy (now Family Perspectives in Policymaking) with Dr. Kozak.  Dr. Kozak’s course was my first deep dive into the intersections of family systems, child development and policymaking in local, state, and federal government. The impact lawmakers have on our communities and the day-to-day lives of families is a lesson that has guided each of my academic and professional endeavors since graduation. 

Did you have a favorite – or most memorable – faculty member?

I credit Dr. Cara Simmons and the FACS Ambassador program as well as Dr. Megan Ford and the ASPIRE Clinic internship program as being foundational to my professional and leadership development. The experiential learning opportunities I pursued while a FACS student, as well as mentorship from faculty like Dr. Ford and Dr. Winston Simmons, have been paramount to my career success. 

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

FACS provided me with a holistic education that allowed me to better understand people and communities. My coursework grounded me in theories and frameworks that I was able to apply through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. As I pursued graduate-level education and began my career, this holistic, multi-disciplinary approach provided me with tangible skills and unique perspectives to bring into my studies and work. 

What inspires or motivates you?

I am inspired by the centuries of changemakers, troublemakers, rulebreakers, and leaders who have worked toward everyone living in better functioning communities in a more just society. 

What advice would you give a current FACS student looking to pursue a career in your field?

Learn as much as you can. Every day I am a writer, a statistician, a researcher, a public speaker, a scientist, a mathematician, an administrator, a coder and much more. No job relies on a single discipline or set of skills. FACS provides you the opportunity to learn across multiple disciplines. Take advantage of your opportunities, ask questions and you’ll see yourself develop a more holistic understanding of your work.