Matt has worked in higher education for more than 25 years and has taught both full-time and as an adjunct professor for over 15 years. During that time, coffee and tea have been a meaningful part of his daily routine and professional life. He first learned to properly grind coffee beans and prepare coffee from his college roommate, an experience that sparked his curiosity about brewing methods and the cultural rituals surrounding coffee. Since then, he has continued to explore the history, health benefits, and diverse preparation styles associated with coffee. Shortly after college, he worked for a financial planner who began each workday by having the staff prepare and share tea during morning meetings. From him, Matt learned traditional English approaches to preparing and enjoying tea, along with an appreciation for its rich history and cultural significance. These early experiences had a lasting impact on him and fostered a deep and enduring interest in both coffee and tea—an interest that continues to inform his personal habits and professional teaching philosophy.
