Tonya Matthews

I've had a very different path! Check out the bio info below to see. My advice for you is to declare a dream and get on the path...any path. If I have learned anything, it is that it really is the journey, not the destination. I have never ended up where I thought I would be, but every moment has been worth it and every place I have ended up has surpassed my dreams.

Dr. Tonya M. Matthews has a diverse background that includes academic and professional work as a Ph.D. scientist, educator, community activist and award winning writer/poet. Dr. Matthews began her career in education and community engagement through her passion for translating complex science concepts for understanding within the general community. As a project manager for the Maryland Science Center she helped shape an innovative, multimedia education center focused on biotechnology, where she developed an urban "lab in schools" program. She also worked with Project Lead the Way to develop advanced biomedical science curriculum for high school students. Subsequently, Dr. Matthews worked as a biomedical engineer for the Food and Drug Administration evaluating new and cutting edge biotechnology for medical and non-medical uses.

Dr. Matthews is also a published and performing poet, most noted for her insightful social commentary and poetry-based community engagement.

Dr. Matthews is currently the Vice President for Museums for the Cincinnati Museum Center, where she currently manages the education, research and community engagement footprint for 3 museums and 2 research centers. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, both in biomedical engineering.