• Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Tulane University, USA (1994)
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Tulane University, USA (1982)

Dr. Mattei earned her Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University and has been a renowned researcher and educator in the areas of structures and construction materials. She is also a expert in sustainable engineering and construction and large watershed management initiatives. Dr. Mattei serves as one of two civilian civil engineer Commissioners on the Mississippi River Commission (MRC). She recently completed her year as 2017 President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and locally she is still active on the Executive Committee of the ASCE New Orleans' Chapter of the Structural Engineering Institute. Norma Jean also has served in the past on several National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) committees and task forces, most recently serving as chair of the Board-level NCEES Education Committee and is an Emeritus Member of NCEES. She was named by the Governor of Louisiana to Louisiana's licensing board for professional engineers, LAPELS, serving as Chairman of the LAPELS Board in 2011-12. Dr. Mattei is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Louisiana.

• Sustainable engineering and construction
• Testing of Materials and Structures
• Large Watershed Management
• Engineering Ethics
• Leadership and Diversity