Matthew Jones was born and raised in Eureka, CA, where he attended St. Bernard's Academy kindergarten through 12th grade. After high school he attended Santa Rosa Junior College with the intention of transferring to a four-year university to achieve a degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at the JC, Jones wrestled for two seasons, red-shirting his freshman year, and competing his sophomore year. Jones' time wrestling under Coach Fitzpatrick taught him determination, self-motivation, and perseverance. During the summer between his freshman and sophomore year, Jones had to the opportunity to work for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Pinedale, WY. He was so moved by the natural beauty and sparse population that he decided to transfer to the University of Wyoming, in Laramie. In his three years at UW, Jones finished his B.S. in mechanical engineering and was offered a research assistantship to earn his master's degree in the Advanced Material Science Lab. Upon finishing his second semester of the program, he was offered the chance to become a Ph.D. student in the same lab. Jones will primarily be doing research and development for a metal parts manufacturing company. In this role, he will focus on developing 3D printing methods and materials, carbon fiber composite manufacturing and characterization, and continuing research on novel polymers. None of this would have been possible without the on and off the mat lessons learned during his wrestling career and his outstanding classroom experience at Santa Rosa Junior College. SRJC 2013-2015.