Matthew Owen Howard (July 21, 1956[1] – December 15, 2018[2]) was the Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professor for Human Services Policy Information in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also served as the Associate Dean for Doctoral Education.

He became a renowned expert in substance use disorders, particularly inhalant abuse, inert gas asphyxiation, and alcohol dependence among youth.

[3][4][5] Howard authored nearly 400 publications, which includes more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, editorials, government reports, and abstracts.

"[9] Howard grew up in Yakima, Washington, during which time he was involved in music and sports.

After teaching at the University of Washington, Howard joined the faculty at Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work in St. Louis as an assistant and then associate professor.