Following an award-winning career in print and broadcast journalism at the Smithers Interior News, the Ottawa Citizen, and CBC Radio, Matthew Pearson was appointed an assistant professor of journalism at Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication in 2020. His research interest explores the intersections of journalism, trauma, and mental well-being, with a focus on preparing journalism students and working journalists to report on traumatic incidents and those affected by them, and to take care of themselves and colleagues afterward.