Matthew Luckett
Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?
As an engineer/ remote engineer for over 30 years I get to wear many hats. Facilitating satellite uplinks and communications across the Alaskan interior, to Engineer in charge of full sports productions and AV events for broadcast.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
From a very young age, I've been fascinated with nature documentaries. As a boy, I would create productions with my dad's 8mm camera of birds, squirrels, deer, or whatever nature would present itself on our property. That passion has been with me my whole life. Experiencing and working in the desert, the Arctic Circle, and now that oceanic work is my next step, I'm truly blessed.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
My family, I strive to be better for them every day.
What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?
Delivering the story of the most remote and extreme of places to the masses.
How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?
Colleague with OET and I'm truly fortunate to be chosen for this expedition.
What other jobs led you to your current career?
I was honored to have been asked back to The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences to instruct and later become the Student Academic Coordinator. Teaching and learning from all my students and peers that attitude is everything and a test is every day. I would not be the engineer I am today if it wasn't for my time there.
What are your degrees and certifications?
Masters Program II Recording Arts and Production - The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences 2004
Dante Level 3 2024
Alaskan State Representative
The United States Black Belt Association 2016 to present
What are your hobbies?
Martial Arts, Hiking, Drumming, Building Microphones, Learning, and Working with my German Shepard.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
When you are in the "quicksand" when everything is not working, maintain a positive attitude, adapt to the challenges quickly, and communicate. Knowing the signal flow of the system you are working with is key to troubleshooting. Always be a student of your field.
