Matthew Wappett, Ph.D.

Field: Special Education
Areas of Focus: Disability Policy, Disability Studies, Inclusion, Stress Management

Expertise

• Disability Policy
• Inclusion
• Disability Studies
• International Disability Issues
• Social Justice & Civil Rights
• Effects of Laughter
• Effects of Stress

Bio

Matthew Wappett is the executive director of the Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice, with an affiliate appointment as a research associate professor in the USU College of Education and Human Services. He is a researcher, a writer, and an educator in leadership, inclusion, and stress management. His approach to “compassionate leadership” has been implemented in many organizations and classrooms and is informed by his background in Disability Studies and as a whitewater guide. Dr. Wappett’s work is also focused on the effects of laughter as a stress management technique and a tool to create inclusion. Dr. Wappett genuinely enjoys teaching people how to laugh and his engaging and entertaining presentation style has made Dr. Wappett a highly sought-after public speaker and trainer.

Dr. Wappett is committed to providing educators, social workers, and other human service professionals with the tools they need to manage their stress, and the skills they need to become more resilient. He is committed to creating inclusive environments that foster a sense of purpose and belonging. He has been referred to by many as the “Laughter Doctor” and he still helps facilitate laughter clubs in person and virtually.

Dr. Wappett earned his doctorate degree in Special Education, an Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah. Dr. Wappett has also participated in Clinical Training for Mind Body Medicine through the Harvard Medical School. He completed his public-school teaching certification while pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of Utah. He is a former whitewater guide and Swiftwater Rescue Technician and has run most of the major wilderness rivers in the Western U.S. and Alaska.