Dr. R. Matthew Brothers began his tenure in October 2025 as Professor and Chair of the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Temple University’s Barnett College of Public Health.

An internationally recognized expert in the  physiological mechanisms underlying health disparities in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, Dr. Brothers brings a distinguished career as a researcher, educator, and mentor to Temple University. His appointment reflects the College’s commitment to advancing public health education, discovery, and community impact.

Dr. Brothers comes to Temple from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he most recently served as Interim Chair, Professor, and Director of Graduate Programs in Exercise Science. Over a research career spanning more than 15 years, he has been continuously funded by prestigious agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association, as well as industry partners — a testament to his leadership in cardiovascular and metabolic health research.

He holds a PhD from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed a highly competitive NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center prior to joining UTA.

Dr. Brothers has contributed widely to the scientific community with more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and numerous research and professional honors. His work has focused on understanding the physiological determinants of chronic disease risk and the role of social and biological factors in health disparities.

At UTA, Dr. Brothers also played a pivotal role in mentoring students and fostering undergraduate research opportunities through programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Integrative Physiology, funded through NIH and American Heart Association awards. His students have received national recognition for research achievements under his guidance.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Brothers to Temple University,” said Jennifer Ibrahim, Dean of Barnett College of Public Health. “His expertise in health disparities and commitment to student mentorship will greatly strengthen our department’s impact in public health education, research, and community engagement.”

In his new role, Dr. Brothers will lead the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences — which offers a range of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs — and will champion initiatives that bridge research, practice, and teaching to improve health outcomes across populations.

“I’m honored to join Temple University and contribute to the mission of educating the next generation of public health leaders,” Dr. Brothers said. “Together with faculty, staff, and students, I look forward to advancing research and other academic initiatives that addresses health inequities and improves health and the human condition and quality of life for individuals and communities.”