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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
How to design a chalk talk-the million dollar sales pitch
1Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA 20147.
Abstract:
Each faculty recruiting season, many postdocs ask, "What is a chalk talk?" The chalk talk is many things-a sales pitch, a teaching demonstration, a barrage of questions, and a description of a future research program. The chalk talk is arguably the most important component of a faculty search interview. Yet few postdocs or grad students receive training or practice in giving a chalk talk. In the following essay, I'll cover the basics of chalk talk design and preparation.
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