MUSD Alumni Profile: Matt Grilli, Milpitas HS Class of 2003

​As an Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Arizona since 2015, Milpitas High School Class of 2023 alumnus Matt Grilli performs a mix of research, teaching, and service to the broader university and scientific community.

The now 39-year-old’s research lab has a broad focus of: 1) uncovering how and why the brain stores and retrieves memories; 2) understanding the impact of aging and brain injury on memory and cognition; and 3) identifying effective interventions for improving cognition in everyday life.

“I use a bunch of methods in my research, including neuropsychological testing, brain imaging techniques (MRI), smartphone data collection tools, and measures of blood health,” Grilli shared. “I teach undergraduate courses on cognition and the brain, and I oversee the mission and vision of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Arizona through my role as Director of Clinical Training.”

Grilli, who attended Curtner Elementary School and Thomas Russell Middle School prior to MHS, holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of California, Irvine, where he was summa cum laude (2007) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Arizona (2013).

“MUSD fostered a love for learning and teaching that I act on every day in my work,” Grilli said. “I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to study the mysteries of the brain, to teach undergraduates to be informed consumers and producers of science, and to train the next generation of clinical psychological scientists. The roots of my perspective on education and science trace to MUSD.”

While attending Milpitas HS, Grilli was on the student journalism team and, crediting many educators for supporting him, highlighted teacher Jeff Colburn because he “pushed me to be a better writer at a time when I needed it.” 

Many of his fond memories are from competing with the cross-country and track and field teams in middle school and high school. “The culture of school sports taught me dedication and hardwork,” he added. “These skills play a pivotal role in who I am today.”

Now, married with two children, Grilli’s words of wisdom for younger MUSD generations is: “Be curious. Ask ‘why’ and ‘how’. Be the driver of your education!”

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