Leonardo Mattos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Naval Sciences from the Naval Academy (1987), a Master’s degree in Naval Sciences from the Naval War College (2004), and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies of Defense and Security from the Fluminense Federal University (UFF). At the latter, in February 2015, he defended his thesis titled “Brazil's Accession to the Antarctic Treaty: An Analysis of Foreign Policy in the Geisel Government.”

Since October 2011, he has served as a Geopolitics Instructor at the Naval War College, teaching postgraduate courses for Intermediate Officers, the Staff Course for Senior Officers, and the Maritime Policy and Strategy Course. He is also the Coordinator of the Situation Assessment Center at the Naval War College and the Editor-in-Chief of the Geocorrente Electronic Bulletin.

Additionally, he teaches International Current Geopolitics in the High Studies courses at the Superior War College (ESG) and the Superior Defense College (ESD). He also serves as the Academic Coordinator of the Maritime Strategy Course at the Sea Studies Foundation (FEMAR).

His primary research interests focus on Polar Geopolitics, emphasizing Antarctica's relevance to Brazil, the Geopolitics of the Brazilian Strategic Surroundings, and the study of contemporary crises and conflicts.