Dr. Alva T. Matthews conducted fundamental research on the mechanical behavior of materials that have been subjected to dynamic impact loads. Her work influenced the development of models for wave propagation in materials such as soil and rock and extended to nuclear weapons effects on structures. Her other accomplishments included the development and adaptation of large computer codes, structural design of thin shell concrete, application of potential theory to underwater acoustics, and computer programming in the development of the Telstar tracking antenna and of helicopter blade design. Matthews was an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and advocated for more women to enter the field of engineering. Matthews was honored by the Society of Women Engineers as the 1971 Achievement Award recipient.