The main focus of Matzek's lab is in quantifying the carbon sequestration that results from restoration, and how it can be compensated in voluntary or compliance markets around the world. also study the ecology of invasive species, and how pest species management relates to ecosystem service provision. A third focus is on understanding how land managers prioritize and accomplish restoration projects, and in particular how scientific evidence and stakeholder needs figure into their decision-making. She received a B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley, an M.S. in environmental science, policy and management from UC Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in biology from Stanford University.