Michael Walter, Ph.D.

As I look back on my transition from postdoctoral researcher to faculty member, I will always remember thinking about the seemingly unlimited possibilities for building innovative research and instruction at UNC Charlotte. That’s what really helped me make the decision to start my academic career here and, years later, I know this still exists. We are a young research institution that just keeps getting stronger and keeps building momentum each year.

There is still so much opportunity for building graduate student training, establishing excellent research thrusts and centers, and connecting UNC Charlotte to the North Carolina and wider innovation community. This has shaped my own research goals and how I approach building a successful research laboratory. There are still so many ways we can innovate in the lab, and with the graduate student experience. The possibilities are very exciting! 

I think my favorite aspect of our graduate program has always been its student-centered approach, which has been a defining characteristic since its inception. I believe this philosophy originated from the faculty members who initially developed and established the program. Perhaps its smaller size or highly interdisciplinary environment developed in the early years allowed for a more personal and intentional mentoring environment.

Regardless, I believe that spirit remains an integral part of the program today. Faculty members, myself included, have seen firsthand the tremendous impact this approach can have across all aspects of the graduate experience, from creating opportunities for students outside of UNC Charlotte and fostering recruitment through alumni recommendations to building lasting research collaborations.

I think that the most impactful and important resource we have on campus for graduate student professional development and overall excellence in assisting our students is the Thomas L. Reynolds Center for Graduate Life & Learning. There is no doubt that the wide variety of opportunities the center provides helps students improve those core values of communication, leadership and collaboration. And from my perspective as a graduate program director, when I’m recruiting, this center is always one of the first resources I bring up to prospective students.

The opportunities are excellent — from assistance to writing theses/dissertations, to the 3MT competition and participation as a graduate life fellow/ambassador. The job of running a graduate program is immense, and I’m so appreciative that the Reynolds Center exists to help support graduate programs by providing these impactful student resources.

I think the most compelling reason to join the UNC Charlotte community is that this institution is truly rooting for everyone to succeed. The mentality that a win for one faculty member or student is a win for everyone is very strong. I have witnessed first-hand on many occasions that if someone wants to pursue a competitive opportunity/award/etc. outside of UNC Charlotte (nationally or internationally) — get ready for serious, intentional support from the university. I think students are often surprised by how much we are really rooting for you! We are a big campus, but word travels fast, and I appreciate how much chairs, deans and administrators really go out of their way to support student successes.

As a graduate program director, I have really enjoyed getting a front row seat on how the program is always changing, refining and improving over the years. And to see how this is directly related to the students that are working through the program. Our program has evolved and somewhat pivoted over the years, and there have been such wonderful examples of research areas and directions that were likely not predicted when the program first started. That has been partially due to the faculty who have been hired, however, it is also equally due to the students and areas they’ve pursued. For instance, we have had quite a few students get involved in entrepreneurial activities and even several who have started their own companies based on research that they developed as a student. They have also participated in filing patents, participating in the NSF I-Corps program, and competing in the Collegiate Inventor’s Competition. The ability to be flexible and adapt new programs on campus to ultimately improve the experiences available for graduate students is a core strength and an area that I very much enjoy witnessing, and, which is an environment I’m committed to and hopeful that we can continue to cultivate.