LT Matthew Nilsen
Assistant Professor of Naval Science, The Pennsylvania State University
About
LT Matthew T. Nilsen is a native of Bristow, VA. He attended Old Dominion University, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Military Leadership. While at Hampton Roads NROTC Unit, he was selected for Submarine Duty, and upon commissioning, he attended Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Prototype Training in Charleston, SC.
Career
LT Nilsen reported aboard USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) in Portsmouth, NH in November 2019. During his tour, NEW MEXICO shifted homeport to Norfolk, VA and completed two successful EUCOM Deployments. His primary duties included Quality Assurance Officer, Communications Officer, Assistant Engineer Officer, and Strike Warfare Officer. He contributed significantly to numerous Independent Lock-Out Trunk Certifications (ICERT) and the ship earning the Engineering “E”, Communications “C”, and Weapons “W”.
In July 2023, he reported to Pennsylvania State University to be an instructor for Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit (NROTC). He serves as a naval science instructor for naval engineering and the submarine community advisor. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in finance through the university.
Awards
LT Nilsen’s personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal (3).
LT Nilsen is also the instructor for NAVSCI 202 – Naval Ships Systems I – Engineering