Matthew Clarke has been working in the field of conservation science since 2010 when he joined the National Gallery of Art as a Photographic Materials Scientist. His research is primarily devoted to the scientific characterization and understanding of underlying chemical reactions and interactions in photographic materials that are responsible for changes in appearance and stability. Particular attention has been focused on the study of platinum and palladium prints. Dr. Clarke received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Michigan in 2006 where his research focused on polymer interfaces. He subsequently investigated optical imaging methods and analyses at the National Institute of Standards and Technology from 2006-2010.