Matt Traverso Ph.D.
@matttraversophd.bsky.social
STEM Ph.D. analyst focused on data-based decision-making. I collect and interpret information to make my life better & advise in plain English. Interests: efficiency, semiconductors, & fitness.
https://medium.com/@MattTraversoPhD
https://medium.com/@MattTraversoPhD
October update on my plan to bike to all communities in Washington County, Oregon
Visited: 38 of 139 (27%)
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
New rides: Cherry Grove gravel, Lost towns of Centerville & Harrison
I'll post some photos for individual rides soon.
#bikesky
Visited: 38 of 139 (27%)
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
New rides: Cherry Grove gravel, Lost towns of Centerville & Harrison
I'll post some photos for individual rides soon.
#bikesky
October 2, 2025 at 5:05 PM
October update on my plan to bike to all communities in Washington County, Oregon
Visited: 38 of 139 (27%)
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
New rides: Cherry Grove gravel, Lost towns of Centerville & Harrison
I'll post some photos for individual rides soon.
#bikesky
Visited: 38 of 139 (27%)
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
New rides: Cherry Grove gravel, Lost towns of Centerville & Harrison
I'll post some photos for individual rides soon.
#bikesky
My home county has over 100 communities, past and present. I'm going to visit every single one...on my bicycle.
This is the WashCo, OR Grand Cycling Tour!
I'll update this site with photos and history of each place as I go.
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
This is the WashCo, OR Grand Cycling Tour!
I'll update this site with photos and history of each place as I go.
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
August 2, 2025 at 8:42 PM
My home county has over 100 communities, past and present. I'm going to visit every single one...on my bicycle.
This is the WashCo, OR Grand Cycling Tour!
I'll update this site with photos and history of each place as I go.
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
This is the WashCo, OR Grand Cycling Tour!
I'll update this site with photos and history of each place as I go.
sites.google.com/view/washco-...
Our domino #cactus had its annual triple bloom last night, captured in time lapse. #bloomscrolling
July 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Our domino #cactus had its annual triple bloom last night, captured in time lapse. #bloomscrolling
It is inappropriate to block bike lanes with (irrelevant) construction signs, especially when the bike lane is up a curb. I have to veer into traffic just to avoid this hazard.
July 18, 2025 at 9:39 PM
It is inappropriate to block bike lanes with (irrelevant) construction signs, especially when the bike lane is up a curb. I have to veer into traffic just to avoid this hazard.
🎶My milkweed brings all the #bees to the yard.🎶
Our wildflower lawn is in full bloom, including this showy milkweed that pollinators love
Interested in #naturescaping? Here's a (free) article to help you get started:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#PNWNativeGardening #bloomscrollling
Our wildflower lawn is in full bloom, including this showy milkweed that pollinators love
Interested in #naturescaping? Here's a (free) article to help you get started:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#PNWNativeGardening #bloomscrollling
June 11, 2025 at 4:25 PM
🎶My milkweed brings all the #bees to the yard.🎶
Our wildflower lawn is in full bloom, including this showy milkweed that pollinators love
Interested in #naturescaping? Here's a (free) article to help you get started:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#PNWNativeGardening #bloomscrollling
Our wildflower lawn is in full bloom, including this showy milkweed that pollinators love
Interested in #naturescaping? Here's a (free) article to help you get started:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#PNWNativeGardening #bloomscrollling
Also, it's a myth that rooftop pods are worse for hybrids/EVs than trucks.
Rooftop cargo adds the same amount of drag to every car (...kind of. aerodynamics is hard). The loss of mileage is just more noticeable on efficient vehicles.
Rooftop cargo adds the same amount of drag to every car (...kind of. aerodynamics is hard). The loss of mileage is just more noticeable on efficient vehicles.
June 11, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Also, it's a myth that rooftop pods are worse for hybrids/EVs than trucks.
Rooftop cargo adds the same amount of drag to every car (...kind of. aerodynamics is hard). The loss of mileage is just more noticeable on efficient vehicles.
Rooftop cargo adds the same amount of drag to every car (...kind of. aerodynamics is hard). The loss of mileage is just more noticeable on efficient vehicles.
In my latest analysis, I measure the rooftop cargo (boat, bike, box, or bag) hit to #EV efficiency.
Bottom line: junk on the roof wastes ~$100/year. If you don't need it, take it off.
full (free) article:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub #EVsky 🔌🚗
Bottom line: junk on the roof wastes ~$100/year. If you don't need it, take it off.
full (free) article:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub #EVsky 🔌🚗
June 11, 2025 at 12:15 AM
In my latest analysis, I measure the rooftop cargo (boat, bike, box, or bag) hit to #EV efficiency.
Bottom line: junk on the roof wastes ~$100/year. If you don't need it, take it off.
full (free) article:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub #EVsky 🔌🚗
Bottom line: junk on the roof wastes ~$100/year. If you don't need it, take it off.
full (free) article:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub #EVsky 🔌🚗
There are plenty of alternatives to #baking in the heat, too. Custards, crepes, freezer jams, ice creams and instant pot claufoutis (or cobblers) are great ways to prepare fresh fruits without an oven.
June 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
There are plenty of alternatives to #baking in the heat, too. Custards, crepes, freezer jams, ice creams and instant pot claufoutis (or cobblers) are great ways to prepare fresh fruits without an oven.
It's strawberry season but it would be best to avoid the oven for a few days until the #PNW heat wave passes.
In the meantime, I'll share some photos of past creations along with the #realworldmath
medium.com/aha-science/...
🔌💡 🍜 #energyhub #baking
In the meantime, I'll share some photos of past creations along with the #realworldmath
medium.com/aha-science/...
🔌💡 🍜 #energyhub #baking
June 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
It's strawberry season but it would be best to avoid the oven for a few days until the #PNW heat wave passes.
In the meantime, I'll share some photos of past creations along with the #realworldmath
medium.com/aha-science/...
🔌💡 🍜 #energyhub #baking
In the meantime, I'll share some photos of past creations along with the #realworldmath
medium.com/aha-science/...
🔌💡 🍜 #energyhub #baking
With the ongoing #PNW heat wave, It seems like as good a time for the reminder: open your windows at night! It's far more effect at cooling than the AC.
My #reallifemath:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
My #reallifemath:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
June 8, 2025 at 8:22 PM
With the ongoing #PNW heat wave, It seems like as good a time for the reminder: open your windows at night! It's far more effect at cooling than the AC.
My #reallifemath:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
My #reallifemath:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
I've been tracking the vertical of every hike in my adult life. Last year, I finally passed the Kármán Line and climbed to space.
I'm looking for a new objective. Any suggestions for long-term goals based on your adventures?
#hiking
I'm looking for a new objective. Any suggestions for long-term goals based on your adventures?
#hiking
May 14, 2025 at 2:03 AM
I've been tracking the vertical of every hike in my adult life. Last year, I finally passed the Kármán Line and climbed to space.
I'm looking for a new objective. Any suggestions for long-term goals based on your adventures?
#hiking
I'm looking for a new objective. Any suggestions for long-term goals based on your adventures?
#hiking
Yes, they've torn out every sidewalk and just pointed detour signs at each other.
When you're one of the hundreds of homes within a quarter mile, how are you supposed to leave on foot?
Imagine the opposite: if every car lane was blocked but the crosswalk passable, who would consider this "open"?
When you're one of the hundreds of homes within a quarter mile, how are you supposed to leave on foot?
Imagine the opposite: if every car lane was blocked but the crosswalk passable, who would consider this "open"?
May 12, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Yes, they've torn out every sidewalk and just pointed detour signs at each other.
When you're one of the hundreds of homes within a quarter mile, how are you supposed to leave on foot?
Imagine the opposite: if every car lane was blocked but the crosswalk passable, who would consider this "open"?
When you're one of the hundreds of homes within a quarter mile, how are you supposed to leave on foot?
Imagine the opposite: if every car lane was blocked but the crosswalk passable, who would consider this "open"?
Was this worth obstructing the bike lane?
A left-hand turn to a connector road was getting resurfaced.
This road had _no_ construction (except this sign).
A left-hand turn to a connector road was getting resurfaced.
This road had _no_ construction (except this sign).
May 11, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Was this worth obstructing the bike lane?
A left-hand turn to a connector road was getting resurfaced.
This road had _no_ construction (except this sign).
A left-hand turn to a connector road was getting resurfaced.
This road had _no_ construction (except this sign).
In the U.S., you're about 16x more likely to be struck and killed as a pedestrian vs. driving a car. The odds are worse for people like me who walk/run/bike more than drive.
May 9, 2025 at 5:52 PM
In the U.S., you're about 16x more likely to be struck and killed as a pedestrian vs. driving a car. The odds are worse for people like me who walk/run/bike more than drive.
easier to read with white background...
🔌💡 #energyhub
🔌💡 #energyhub
April 26, 2025 at 9:24 PM
easier to read with white background...
🔌💡 #energyhub
🔌💡 #energyhub
In 4 mo, Time-of-Use pricing saved me $100, improved grid stability, and reduced emissions. It only took a few small changes to my consumption.
Here's a free article on my experience. Could TOU billing work for you?
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
Here's a free article on my experience. Could TOU billing work for you?
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
April 26, 2025 at 7:56 PM
In 4 mo, Time-of-Use pricing saved me $100, improved grid stability, and reduced emissions. It only took a few small changes to my consumption.
Here's a free article on my experience. Could TOU billing work for you?
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
Here's a free article on my experience. Could TOU billing work for you?
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
Electricity prices are up 40% since 2021 but fossil fuels are cheap. The power isn't any cleaner, either.
Here's a free link where I dig into the cost spike and show why normal improvements are passed off as sustainability initiatives.
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
Here's a free link where I dig into the cost spike and show why normal improvements are passed off as sustainability initiatives.
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
March 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Electricity prices are up 40% since 2021 but fossil fuels are cheap. The power isn't any cleaner, either.
Here's a free link where I dig into the cost spike and show why normal improvements are passed off as sustainability initiatives.
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
Here's a free link where I dig into the cost spike and show why normal improvements are passed off as sustainability initiatives.
medium.com/the-new-clim...
🔌💡 #energyhub
My $/kWh is up 40% in 3 years. The power companies say that's to support clean energy initiatives. If that were true, why isn't my electricity appreciably cleaner?
This graph leads me to believe that utilities are bolstering profits and blaming the eco-conscious.
🔌💡 #energyhub
This graph leads me to believe that utilities are bolstering profits and blaming the eco-conscious.
🔌💡 #energyhub
March 14, 2025 at 7:21 PM
My $/kWh is up 40% in 3 years. The power companies say that's to support clean energy initiatives. If that were true, why isn't my electricity appreciably cleaner?
This graph leads me to believe that utilities are bolstering profits and blaming the eco-conscious.
🔌💡 #energyhub
This graph leads me to believe that utilities are bolstering profits and blaming the eco-conscious.
🔌💡 #energyhub
After two years of measuring, temperature has almost no effect on EV mileage. On the graph, the mess is the point: driving behavior and speed matter more than temp. Anyone telling you EVs don't work in cold is misinformed (or lying).
details:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#EVsky 🔌💡 #reallifemath
details:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#EVsky 🔌💡 #reallifemath
March 1, 2025 at 2:40 PM
After two years of measuring, temperature has almost no effect on EV mileage. On the graph, the mess is the point: driving behavior and speed matter more than temp. Anyone telling you EVs don't work in cold is misinformed (or lying).
details:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#EVsky 🔌💡 #reallifemath
details:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#EVsky 🔌💡 #reallifemath
On my last trip to the ski resort, I spent more time on the chairlift than actually skiing. Including drive time and breaks, carving down slopes made up less than 1/4 of my day. Not complaining, just observing.
⛷️ #reallifemath #mthood
⛷️ #reallifemath #mthood
February 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
On my last trip to the ski resort, I spent more time on the chairlift than actually skiing. Including drive time and breaks, carving down slopes made up less than 1/4 of my day. Not complaining, just observing.
⛷️ #reallifemath #mthood
⛷️ #reallifemath #mthood
It's snowing in Portland so this is your annual reminder that heat pumps work just fine below freezing temps. Modern units have built-in defrost.
Even in today's storm, it was cheaper for me to run the heat pump than my gas furnace or a resistive electric baseboard.
#energyhub #heatpump 🔌💡
Even in today's storm, it was cheaper for me to run the heat pump than my gas furnace or a resistive electric baseboard.
#energyhub #heatpump 🔌💡
February 14, 2025 at 9:38 PM
It's snowing in Portland so this is your annual reminder that heat pumps work just fine below freezing temps. Modern units have built-in defrost.
Even in today's storm, it was cheaper for me to run the heat pump than my gas furnace or a resistive electric baseboard.
#energyhub #heatpump 🔌💡
Even in today's storm, it was cheaper for me to run the heat pump than my gas furnace or a resistive electric baseboard.
#energyhub #heatpump 🔌💡
This male rufous hummingbird on migration rested in our vine maples for a few days last spring.
I'm sharing photos of increased wildlife diversity in our yard since we began naturescaping. We wrote about our rewilding experience here:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#birds
I'm sharing photos of increased wildlife diversity in our yard since we began naturescaping. We wrote about our rewilding experience here:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#birds
February 13, 2025 at 10:44 PM
This male rufous hummingbird on migration rested in our vine maples for a few days last spring.
I'm sharing photos of increased wildlife diversity in our yard since we began naturescaping. We wrote about our rewilding experience here:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#birds
I'm sharing photos of increased wildlife diversity in our yard since we began naturescaping. We wrote about our rewilding experience here:
medium.com/the-new-clim...
#birds
These solar panels are facing NORTHwest and only get 1-2hrs of direct sun each day at best. Is this OK? A case of irrational exuberance for clean energy? Were they tricked? Am I making a big deal out of nothing?
#solarenergy
#solarenergy
February 10, 2025 at 10:38 PM
These solar panels are facing NORTHwest and only get 1-2hrs of direct sun each day at best. Is this OK? A case of irrational exuberance for clean energy? Were they tricked? Am I making a big deal out of nothing?
#solarenergy
#solarenergy
Here's a demonstration of how back darts remove excess waist material. Again, basic stuff any wardrobe stylist (or any idiot that wants to look presentable at their wedding or super bowl presenter gig) knows.
February 10, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Here's a demonstration of how back darts remove excess waist material. Again, basic stuff any wardrobe stylist (or any idiot that wants to look presentable at their wedding or super bowl presenter gig) knows.