Captain Robert Allan Matthews was born 27 April 1952 in Glen Cove, NY. He attended grammar school in Litchfield, CT and graduated from Lower Dauphin High School in Hummelstown, PA in 1970. He attended Rockford College in Rockford IL, receiving a BS in Biology in 1974. He continued his education at Pennsylvania State University earning an MS in Physiology in 1975. Captain Matthews returned to Rockford College as Director of Residence and additionally served as teaching assistant for biology, chemistry and physics. In 1977, he accepted a position as 'Manager and Pro' at the Victory Indoor Tennis Club in Rockford.

On 1 September 1980, Captain Matthews was commissioned a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the Medical Service Corps, USNR. On 30 March 1981, he received his wings and designated Naval Physiologist (#112) at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Pensacola, FL. His first assignment was Water Survival Training Officer at the Aviation Physiology Training Unit, NAS Miramar, CA. In 1983 He completed the six-week Aviation Safety Officer Course at the Naval Postgraduate School, then reported to COMMATVAQWINGPAC, NAS Whidbey Island, WA assigned as Aeromedical Safety Officer (AMSO). His next assignment was to the Commander, Fleet Air Force Mediterranean as OIC of the COMFAIRMED Aeromedical Safety Unit, Rota, Spain. In July 1988, he reported to San Diego, CA, as Head, Aviation Physiology Training Department, San Diego. In October 1992, Captain Matthews became Coordinator for Medical Service Corps and Hospital Corps Professional Training Programs at the Naval Aerospace & Operational Medical Institute, Pensacola, FL. In October 1995, he reported to the Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as Force Physiologist/AMSO coordinating flight and survival equipment introduction and modification programs. In 1998 he moved to BUMED as Survival Training Program Manager/Training Agent for the Aerospace Physiology Training Program and served as Specialty Leader for the Naval Aerospace Physiology community. On 6 June 2002, Captain Matthews reported to the Office on Naval Research as Deputy for Human Systems - Science and Technology and served as Chief of Staff for Future Naval Capabilities Science and Technology. Capt. Matthews retired from Naval service Oct 2004.

Captain Matthews completed an MBA in Healthcare Administration in 1999 and was an Associate Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association. He also served as President of the Aerospace Physiology Society, and Instructed at the Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences.

Captain Matthews' Naval awards include the Navy Legion of Merit, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon with two bronze stars. In 2001, he was awarded the "Special" Award from the Naval Aerospace Physiology Program and the Fred Hitchcock Award from the Aerospace Physiology Society, for sustained professional excellence in Aerospace Physiology.

Captain Matthews and the former Debora Marie Hummel, of Hummelstown PA, were married on 2 DEC 1989. Their daughter, Briana Marie Matthews, was born 29 June 1998.