[2] Her research focuses on the role of organic cofactors as partners of enzymes catalyzing difficult biochemical reactions, especially folic acid and cobalamin (vitamin B12).

[5] She then attended graduate school in biophysics at the University of Michigan, with dissertation research in the laboratory of Vincent Massey.

High concentrations of homocysteine in the plasma can increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases and the use of folic acid have been shown to decrease the amounts in humans.

[21] In collaboration with Prof. Martha Ludwig they elucidated the first X-ray structure of vitamin B12 bound to a protein, cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase.

[20][22] Matthews is the eldest daughter of biochemist David E. Green and the aunt of United States Senator Tammy Baldwin.