His research examines voter decisionmaking in low-information elections, specifically nonpartisan elections and judicial elections; questions related to electoral democracy; and polling. His research has been featured on C-Span’s Washington Journal, and has been mentioned in such places as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Times, Washington Monthly, and Chronicle of Higher Education. He is the editor of the book series "Controversies in Electoral Democracy and Representation." Matt is frequently quoted in national, state, and local media on elections and is a weekly guest on Straight Talk with Riley O'Neal (WROK, Rockford). In 2009, he was recognized by the NIU Foundation for "Faculty Excellence." Matt teaches courses on political parties, political behavior, public opinion, and Congress. Streb received his Ph.D. in 2000 from Indiana University.