Matthew J. Stamets

Matthew is the biological child of Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber via binary cloning. He was partially named after his father’s research partner Justin Straal. Matt wanted to be like both of his fathers from a young age, specifically in terms of career. He became a neurologist and did a lot of research into mycology, having a master's in that. His area of research is focused on how fungi interact with the brain, as well as the research of his own and Paul’s brain as to how they connect to the network.He attended Starfleet Academy after going to medical school at Stanford University. He was stationed on captain Sylvia Tilly’s ship when continuing to work in Starfleet, continuing his research on the brains of those connected to the mycelial network as well as treating those who needed it on the ship. As he got older, he fell in love with an Andorian woman named Veti and they got married, adopting a Trill boy named Izin.
Matt was a shy kid, often hiding behind the legs of his parents, but as he got older he became more social, but at heart, he’s always been the shy kid who clung to his parents for support. He’s very intelligent and can tend to be a bit brash and have an ego, but is usually very modest about his achievements. He is very close to his parents.
Some of his abilities related to the tardigrade DNA in his system are the same as Paul's. He can use the spore drive, commune with spore and fungi, and has slight radiation and weather resistance. He also has a strange ability to jump between timelines and across time without the spore drive, unlike his father.

CHARACTER TROPES

• Born Unlucky - Two drowning experiences, seeing multiple darker timelines from childhood, and having a medical condition beyond his own control are just a few of the things that could categorize Matt as unlucky. 
• Took A Level In Jerkass - Matt is generally a patient and kind character, but he can switch to snarky and rude at the drop of a hat. 
• Ridiculously Cute Critter - Tardograde is his constant companion and often follows him through his life.
• Inferiority Superiority Complex - Matt's ego can get the best of him but also be his greatest enemy.
• Meaningful Name - Matt's middle name is Justin, after his father's late research partner Justin Straal. There is also a species of mushroom named Matt Knight, which relates to his father's work.
• Science Hero - Being in Starfleet kind of just leads scientists into this path. 
• Bio-Augmentation - He gets this from his father, who was genetically augmented with tardigrade DNA. 
• Endearingly Dorky - Matt can get very passionate about what he does from time to time.
• Omnidisciplinary Scientist - He's got a doctorate in neuroscience, but often has more knowledge in biology, mycology, physics, and chemistry skills.
• The Medic - Matt is a neuroscientist.