Matt Richtel
About Matt Richtel
Matt Richtel is a reporter for The New York Times, recognized for his work on distracted driving, which earned him the Pulitzer Prize in 2010. He has authored several books, including 'A Deadly Wandering' and 'An Elegant Defense,' and speaks on topics such as technology, creativity, and the immune system.
Work at The New York Times
Matt Richtel has served as a reporter for The New York Times since 2000. His work primarily focuses on technology, health, and social issues. Over his 24 years at the publication, he has contributed to various significant stories, including a series on the rise of obesity globally, for which he was nominated in 2017. His reporting often combines investigative journalism with narrative storytelling, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience.
Education and Expertise
Matt Richtel studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Rhetoric from 1985 to 1989. He furthered his education at Columbia University, completing a Master of Science in Journalism at the Graduate School of Journalism from 1989 to 1990. His academic background has equipped him with strong communication skills and a deep understanding of narrative structure, which he applies in both his reporting and writing.
Achievements
Matt Richtel won the Pulitzer Prize for national reporting in 2010 for his work on distracted driving. He is also recognized for his nonfiction bestseller 'A Deadly Wandering,' which examines the impact of heavy technology use on the brain. Additionally, his book 'An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of The Immune System' received the 2020 Nautilus Award Grand/Gold award for investigative reporting and was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year.
Published Works
In addition to his journalistic contributions, Matt Richtel has authored several thrillers, including 'Dead on Arrival,' 'Doomsday Equation,' 'The Cloud,' 'Devil's Plaything,' and 'Hooked.' He is also currently working on a narrative non-fiction book about creativity, which is set to be published by William Morrow (Harper Collins). His diverse body of work reflects his interests in technology, creativity, and social issues.
Speaking Engagements
Matt Richtel frequently speaks at colleges and conferences on topics such as the immune system, creativity, technology, and distraction. His presentations draw on his extensive research and journalistic experience, providing audiences with insights into the intersection of these fields. His ability to communicate complex ideas effectively has made him a sought-after speaker in various academic and professional settings.