Donald Walter

Dr. Donald Walter serves as Professor of Physics and Academic Program Coordinator in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at South Carolina State University. With 36 years of dedicated service since joining in 1986 (despite the 2022 reference appearing to be a textual error given his 1993 PhD), he contributes to teaching, research leadership, and administration across STEM disciplines.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Rice University (1993)
• M.S. in Physics, Rice University (1991)
• M.S. in Physics, Louisiana State University (1976)
• B.S. in Physics, University of Illinois (1974)

An observational astrophysicist specializing in time-domain astronomy, Dr. Walter investigates variable stars, spectroscopically peculiar stars, and transient phenomena using ground and space-based instrumentation. He is preparing to utilize the Rubin Observatory's 2024 first-light data (8.4-meter telescope generating 20TB nightly) to advance studies of dynamic celestial events. His research bridges theoretical modeling with observational data analysis in stellar astrophysics.

Dr. Walter has secured significant grant funding through cross-departmental collaborations in physics, STEM education, and outreach initiatives. His six-year directorship of the I.P. Stanback Planetarium enhanced public astronomy engagement while supporting curriculum development for earth/space science programs.