Matthew Gordon graduated from the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in 2008, and graduated from Fitchburg State University in 2012 with a double major in History and Political Science major. Mr. Gordon was a Research and Administrative intern at the Regional Economic Development Institute, providing essential support for several key REDI Research Projects, while also serving as REDI Research Intern to the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission during winter-spring 2012.

 Matt Gordon's Resume

During his REDI Internship, Mr. Gordon focused on:

• Serving as REDI Research Intern to the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) in Fitchburg (1427R Water Street) – 65% of internship time at MRPC:
• Attending project and steering committee meetings;
• Focusing on development of the MRPC regional economic development quarterly plan;
• Supporting the initial development and first phase of implementation planning on the Wachusett Station Smart Growth Corridor Project (the recently award Federal Housing and Urban Development Grant to MRPC):
  
  
  • Research with MRPC staff on initial planning for sub-projects related to: transportation, circulation, land use, and housing, related to the area around the planned Wachusett Station’s development;
  • Help MRPC survey the land area, determine the smart growth potential surrounding the Wachusett Station, determine the economic indicators important to estimating costs, and provide data for analysis on an implementation plan for the City of Fitchburg and business community.
    
    
    • Work with the REDI Director and other REDI Administrative Interns on-campus during 35% of internship time:
    • Gather key research on required cost of living and economic development indicators;
    • Support the publication of the REDI's first newsletter, including writing brief analysis of economic development trends or REDI Research Project overviews; 
    • Support with several REDI Public Research Forums on campus and open to the Fitchburg and greater North Central MA community;
    • Expand REDI's outreach to regional economic development organizations.

    Mr. Gordon during his entire time at the University has been heavily invested in academic research. Mr. Gordon conducted and presented research in the first three Fitchburg State University Undergraduate Conferences on Research and Creative Practices. The second Undergraduate Conference, Mr. Gordon helped to plan alongside staff, faculty and another student.

    Mr. Gordon has stepped up and taken leadership roles many times during his time at Fitchburg State University. He has been President of two different clubs, most recently the Model United Nations Clubs, as well as holding leadership positions in four other clubs.

    Mr. Gordon also understands how to work together with others and to step up and take charge from his five years at the Brimmer and May Summer Camp. Mr. Gordon was promoted twice and worked his way to becoming a head counselor, with between one and three people working under him at different times. In this capacity Mr. Gordon has gained the ability to handle inter-personal conflicts and increased his problem solving abilities. From this job, leadership, and research experience, Mr. Gordon is well suited to take on any new problems and challenges that could potentially arise.