Walt was born and raised around New York City. After obtaining an MS in Physical Chem from Cornell University, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya in High School Science Education from 1972-74. On returning to the U.S., Walt moved to Wisconsin, where he taught high school science for several years in Mequon, then returned to graduate school in Madison. While obtaining a PhD in Water Chem and then continuing to work as a staff scientist in that program, he helped to form several spin-off companies in efforts to commercialize technologies. After his retirement from the UW-Madison in 2007, he continues to help out with two of the spin-offs.
Walt joined the RPCVs of WI-Madison in November 1980 as the group was forming, and has held all positions except Treasurer at one time or another. He currently serves as an at-large Board member providing institutional memory, administering the GiftAway donations, and providing times to runners at the halfway point of the Freeze for Food 10K race.