Thinking about Joining the Walter Lab?
ADVICE
FOR
UNDERGRADS
How do I join the lab?
To join our lab, please send a detailed email to Dr. Walter: ewalter@csufresno.edu.
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Ask about openings in the lab.
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Describe what knowledge or skills you hope to learn as part of doing research.
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Share your future career goal
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Explain why you are interested in our research
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Please do not use AI to generate your email
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Do I have to be a Biology Major?
All Majors are welcome in the Walter Lab! Please do not hesitate to ask about openings, even if you are not a biology major.
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I don't plan on a career in education. Is this the right lab for me?
Many students who do undergraduate research in the Walter Lab have continued their education and have gone on to be successful applicants to competitive graduate and professional programs!
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Undergrad Students in our lab have gone on to careers in:
Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, College Science Teaching, K-12 Education, College Advising, Psychiatry, Psychology/Counseling, Statistics, Data Analytics, Anthropology, and Economics.​
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Advice for Joining the Walter Lab
The Walter lab explores college science teaching and learning. Our work is at the intersection of biology, psychology, sociology, and education.
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How Do I Join the Walter Lab?
The first step to joining a research lab is sending a detailed email to the principal investigator (the PI).
In this case, you should email Dr. Walter at ewalter@csufresno.edu.
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Introduce yourself
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Share your career goal
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Explain why you are interested in our research
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Demonstrate care about the problems the Walter lab is working to solve
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Please do NOT use AI when writing your email. This may be cause for concern that you cannot write well on your own
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We are NOT accepting students who wish to do work only for a letter of recommendation
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Do I Need to Have a Project Idea?
Graduate students build their own project with the support of Dr. Walter. Undergraduate students usually join a team of other students already doing a research project OR work with another newer student to make a research project of their own (with support from Dr. Walter).
To become familiar with our work, please explore the "Projects" page or visit Research Publications.
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Is the Lab Accepting NEW Graduate Students?
We expect will have space for up to 2 new graduate students in Academic Year 2026 - 2027. Students can start in August 2026 or January 2027.​
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Is the Lab Accepting NEW Undergraduate Students?
We almost always have room in our lab for new undergraduate students. We prefer students who have at least two semesters remaining at Fresno State, but are open to talking to anyone. Sometimes students in their last semester decide to stay on for their MS in Biology. Could this be you?
CONTACT DR. WALTER
IF YOU AREN'T SURE HOW TO ADDRESS ME, I PREFER TO GO BY
"DR. WALTER" or "PROFESSOR WALTER"
ADVICE
FOR FUTURE
GRAD
STUDENTS
How do I join the Lab?
To begin, send a detailed email to Dr. Walter at ewalter@csufresno.edu.
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Ask about openings in the lab for the semester you wish to join.
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Share your future career goals
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Explain what attracted you to our lab. For example, our lab works in biology education, diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and in STEM student success at the college level. What are your interests tied to these issues?
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Describe your background and training
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Include a resume and unofficial transcripts.
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Is there Room for new Grad Students?
We expect will have space for up to 2 new graduate students in Academic Year 2026 - 2027. Students can start in August 2026 or January 2027.​
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What do grad students do after their degree?
Grad students in our lab have gone on to:
PhD Programs in Science Education, Tenure-Track Teaching Positions at Community Colleges, and department lead positions in Middle and High School Science Departments.