“Two Minutes with…” is a blog focusing on the lives behind some of the faces and names you may see in your daily life at Northeastern. Maybe you even know them personally and what they do here at Northeastern. But do you know what they like to do on a Saturday morning? Or what their go-to karaoke song is? That’s where “Two minutes with…” comes in, to shed some light on our colleagues.
In this edition of Two Minutes with, Matt Daniels shares his passion for solving problems and the path that led him to his current role as Infrastructure Project Manager.
Read on to learn more about Matt’s military career, his commitment to fighting pollution, and how he spends his free time.
How long have you worked at Northeastern and what roles have you held?
I joined the ITS PMO at Northeastern as an IT Infrastructure Project Manager in October 2023 as a contractor, and I was converted to full-time in February 2024.
What did you do before you joined Northeastern?
Prior to joining Northeastern, I held the position of Senior Project Manager at MathWorks in Natick, where I successfully managed multiple projects and collaborated with cross-functional teams in a hybrid Waterfall/Agile environment. I am also a Marine Science Technician (MST) reservist with the U.S. Coast Guard.
It’s Saturday morning. Where are you, what are you doing, and with whom?
On a typical drill weekend at USCG Sector Boston, I start the day with a morning briefing on pollution response cases. I participate in hands-on training, such as deploying oil containment booms, conducting equipment checks, and simulating response actions. Additionally, I respond to real-life incidents when they occur, practicing the assessment of spill reports, coordination with local agencies, and documentation of our response efforts. The focus is on maintaining readiness and honing skills for real-world situations. At the end of the day, I join the team for a debrief to review lessons learned and update response protocols.
If I am not drilling, I love spending quality time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new places. I also enjoy reading, staying active, and catching up on projects that allow me to learn new skills and unwind.
What did you want to be when you were in second grade? How did any of it carry over to where you are today?
When I was in second grade, I always envisioned myself in a role where I was solving problems or helping others. This passion for finding solutions naturally guided my career path, both in my civilian life and in the military. I’ve always been fascinated by computers, taking things apart, and building new ones, which ultimately led me to study engineering. That early curiosity and drive to understand how things work shaped my problem-solving mindset, allowing me to thrive in roles that require both technical skills and a desire to assist others. Today, whether it’s managing projects or responding to emergencies, that same passion continues to drive me.
Any pets?
Currently, I don’t have any.
Fun fact: When I was around eight years old, I had a dog that, unfortunately, ended up having rabies and bit me. It was a wild experience that I’ll never forget!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was: Focus on progress, not perfection. It helped me overcome the fear of making mistakes and encouraged me to keep moving forward, even if things weren’t perfect. This mindset has allowed me to take risks, learn continuously, and grow professionally.
What’s your preferred way to unplug?
My preferred way to unplug is by diving into a good book or watching a movie with my wife and kids. It allows me to escape into a different world, which helps clear my mind and recharge. Additionally, my passion for practicing martial arts helps me unwind.
Do you speak any languages besides English? If not, which other ones do you wish you spoke?
Besides English, I speak Yoruba and would love to learn Mandarin.
What was the first live concert you attended?
The first live concert I attended was during my time as an undergrad. It featured a lineup of popular Afrobeats artists of that era, bringing together a mix of vibrant performances and unforgettable energy.