Matthew Rivas-Koehl is a research scientist and senior program area manager in the parenting and family dynamics research area. He is an interpersonal relationship and health-equity scholar who studies how families, schools, and communities can prevent violence, nurture well-being, and improve social relationships across lifespans. He is dedicated to advancing equity and justice in families’ lives through research translation and community-based approaches.

Dr. Rivas-Koehl's scholarship bridges analytics and practice. He has published more than 25 peer-reviewed articles and technical products in outlets such as Journal of Family Theory & Review, Journal of Adolescent Health, Psychology of Violence, Journal of Sex Research, and Personal Relationships. At Child Trends, he contributes to projects focusing on family relationships, adolescent health, violence prevention, and sexual and reproductive health.

He has expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods and employs critically-informed methodologies and theoretical frameworks to address pressing social and health disparities. His work has also integrated innovative approaches, such as community asset mapping, to ensure the applicability and equity of his findings.

Dr. Rivas-Koehl's work has been presented at conferences for national and international organizations, including the National Council on Family Relations, the International Association for Relationship Research, and the American Public Health Association. Additionally, he has delivered trainings and workshops to diverse organizations nationwide, and serves in leadership roles across various professional organizations.

Dr. Rivas-Koehl holds a PhD in human development and family studies from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He previously completed his master’s degree in human development and family sciences with a minor in women’s and gender studies from Texas Tech University. Outside of work, you’ll find Matthew running, cooking, playing with his dogs, and trying to pet every other dog he sees.