Dr. Matthew Walker

Professor

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Biography

Matthew G. Walker is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in Astrophysics and Cosmology. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2007. His research primarily focuses on the astrophysical properties of dark matter, especially in relation to dwarf galaxies surrounding the Milky Way and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. These dwarf galaxies are considered some of the oldest and smallest known, often being entirely composed of dark matter. Walker employs large optical telescopes to measure the spatial distribution of dark matter within these galaxies. He is a member of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV collaboration, which plays a vital role in exploring and understanding the universe. His contributions to the field include multiple publications investigating the dynamics of dwarf galaxies and their relationship with dark matter. Walker's professional accolades include the Martin Beate Block Award from the Aspen Center for Physics in 2013 and a Hubble Post-doctoral Fellowship from 2010 to 2013. He has previously held post-doctoral research positions at Harvard University and the University of Cambridge.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2013-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Teaching and conducting research in Astrophysics and Cosmology.

Post-doctoral Researcher

2010-01-01 — 2013-01-01

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

Conducted research on various aspects of dark matter.

Post-doctoral Researcher

2007-01-01 — 2010-01-01

University of Cambridge • Cambridge, UK

Focused on the dynamics of dwarf galaxies and their relation to dark matter.

Awards

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Martin Beate Block Award

2013-01-01
#

Hubble Post-doctoral Fellowship

2010-01-01

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.