Matthew Bird

Say it in 6: "Doing something I love for life." Matthew is pursuing his PhD in Sports Psychology because he wants to help athletes perform to their fullest potential as competitors and as people. His time at Florida State has benefitted from brilliant fellow students who have pushed him toward his best. His research focuses on improving student-athletes' utilization of mental health services. Matthew hopes to make a difference in the ways in which student-athletes approach achieving and maintaining mental health. He recognizes within this group additional stressors not experienced by others that may lead to the development of mental health problems. Matthew received a dissertation award from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology to complete his research. After finishing, he anticipates pursuing an academic career in a university setting.