Matthew Lipka is analyzing trade compliance at the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. He recently graduated American University with a Bachelors in International Relations summa cum laude and a minor in Music. 

While at American University, Matthew was active in the School of International Service and the Department of Performing Arts, being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and participating in the Diplomacy Lab public-private partnership between the Department of State and American University. Matthew served as an Intern with the Advocacy Center's Europe, Eurasia, and Western Hemisphere team in the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce in the spring of 2024. In the spring of 2023, Matthew completed the EU in Action study abroad program at the American University Brussels Centre in Brussels, Belgium, where he studied the EU and European Security and completed a traineeship at Finabel European Army Interoperability Centre. He also completed an internship at U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal's Hartford office in the summer of 2023. 

Musically, Matthew is teaching and performing clarinet in the Washington, D.C. area. He studied clarinet under Professor Chaz Sonoda, completing a senior recital. He was principle clarinetist in the AU Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster in the AU Symphonic Band. He has written musical compositions, two of which premiered in 2024.