Penn State World Campus alum Krist Ricardo Matthew is a veteran, energy adviser, and owner of Sustainable Home Solutions, a business that helps homeowners maximize energy efficiency and reduce costs.
As a working adult, Matthew wanted to advance his career and decided to go back to school. He enrolled in classes at local colleges, but a conversation with a professor at Penn State changed his trajectory. Thanks to the flexibility of learning online through Penn State World Campus, Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy in 2019.
Today, he uses that degree and his passion as a first-generation American to help all members of his community in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware have access to energy sustainability solutions.
Read more about Matthew’s experience and what he’s done since graduating.
Why was pursuing a bachelor’s degree online through Penn State World Campus the right choice for you?
I chose to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Penn State after a conversation with Professor Dan Kasper, who introduced me to the Energy and Sustainability Policy (ESP) program. Before making the decision, I had attended another institution in a hybrid format while working full-time. Although I took some online courses, I had to be on campus for exams, which made balancing work and education challenging. Additionally, many of my credits from my previous academic experiences did not transfer smoothly, complicating my academic progress.
After speaking with Professor Brandi Robinson, my adviser at Penn State, I discovered that a significant portion of my course work would transfer into the ESP program, making my transition far smoother. The fact that all courses were fully online — and that I wouldn’t have to go to a physical campus for exams — was an invaluable advantage that allowed me to continue working full-time while earning my degree.
These factors made Penn State the perfect fit for my educational and professional goals.
Where does your dedication to promoting energy efficiency originate?
My journey has profoundly shaped my commitment to making a difference.
As an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, I have faced challenges that many may never fully understand — navigating uncertainty, dedicating myself to military service and higher education to earn my citizenship, and working tirelessly toward the American dream. Throughout this journey, I have been uplifted by kindness and support from others, and that experience has fueled my desire to give back in a meaningful way.
Since graduating from Penn State, promoting energy efficiency has become my way of paying it forward — helping homeowners make informed decisions that lead to real financial and environmental benefits. Whether through guiding individuals toward smarter energy choices or assisting those in difficult circumstances, I see every interaction as an opportunity to empower, educate, and create lasting positive change.
My work in energy efficiency is more than just a profession. It is a mission rooted in compassion and a deep-seated belief that access to sustainable solutions should be available to everyone.
How has your Penn State journey helped you make an impact?
My journey has been deeply personal, shaping my commitment to making a difference. Penn State provided the foundation to turn that dedication into action, equipping me with the expertise to promote energy efficiency in underserved communities.
Penn State played a transformative role in shaping my journey, instilling in me both a deep passion for energy efficiency and the drive to become a business owner. Through the ESP program, I gained the expertise and critical perspective needed to apply sustainable solutions in a way that truly benefits individuals with low to moderate incomes.
The education I received not only strengthened my technical understanding but also reinforced my commitment to making a tangible impact in my community. Penn State equipped me with the skills to integrate my values and ambitions into a meaningful career, pushing me beyond traditional roles and inspiring me to pursue entrepreneurship in energy education.
Since graduating, I have been dedicated to helping homeowners improve their energy efficiency, ensuring they have access to solutions that enhance comfort, reduce costs, and support sustainability. The foundation Penn State provided has been instrumental in guiding me toward a career where I can empower others while building something truly impactful for the future.
This Q&A spotlight is part of “40K alumni: 40 stories celebrating 40,000 graduates,” a series marking the milestone of more than 40,000 Penn Staters earning their degrees online through Penn State World Campus.