He recently graduated from Oregon State University's College of Forestry with a BS in Natural Resources. While in college, Mateo had a number of research experiences ranging from examining crayfish diet to tracking fledglings. He wore lots of other hats as a tour guide, affinity group mentor, and environmental education volunteer with the Finley Wildlife Refuge. Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, Mateo competed in the California Envirothon and (with his team) placed first in the state Wildlife section! Growing up in Los Angeles, one of his favorite places to go was the Natural History Museum of LA. It's his childhood dream come true to work at a museum where dead things come alive (as they say at the Slater). 

When not at the museum and not teaching, Mateo enjoys cycling, reading sci-fi, getting to know the Puget Sound, and playing with his cat Spice Girl.