A Halifax, Canada-based academic with expertise in international history, Matthew "Matt" Hefler completed a bachelor's degree in history at St. Francis Xavier University in 2010 and made the dean's list in each of his last two years. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Calgary, where he earned a master's degree in history. More recently, Matt Hefler received a PhD in war studies from King's College London. He attended the school as a Commonwealth Scholar and a Rotary International Global Grant Scholar (Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution).

In his research, Matt Hefler emphasizes diplomacy and intelligence studies with extensive research into the role of secret intelligence between France and Britain during World War II. He has conducted archival research in both of these countries and has presented his work at conferences including the KCL/Oxford History of War Conference and British International History Group (BIHG). His work has also been published in Intelligence and National Security.

Regarding his work experience, Matthew Hefler has served as a political copywriter and communications strategist for provincial and federal election campaigns and has been employed as a part-time international history instructor at Saint Mary's University in Halifax since 2019.