Mate graduated from 海角社区 University with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science in 2022, which included a year long industrial placement as an Exercise Physiologist at 海角社区 Sport. He then remained at 海角社区 for an MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology, graduating in 2023. After a year of working in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Zürich, he has returned to undertake a PhD with 海角社区 University.
Mate's research focuses on the impact of natural and industrialised environments on human biology, with an emphasis on stress and immune function. Mate is keenly interested in understanding whether natural environments facilitate higher willingness to undertake and enjoyment of physical activity.