Research Interests
Dr. Walker’s research focuses on understanding surface chemical processes in natural and engineered systems, with an emphasis on clean water. Current areas of research include: predicting the fate and transport of manufactured nanomaterials, cyanotoxins, and other “emerging” contaminants in groundwater, lakes, oceans, and water treatment plants; developing novel membrane treatment systems and membrane cleaning approaches; determining the vulnerability of the public to cyanotoxins in finished drinking water; and understanding the environmental implications of energy extraction and electricity production. As a registered PE and educator, Dr. Walker also has scholarly interests related to engineering as a profession, ASCE Policy 465, engineering and liberal education, professional ethics, diversity and issues of equity in engineering, and globalization. A number of agencies have supported Dr. Walker’s research, including NSF, USGS, NOAA, USEPA as well as a host of state and local sources.
Professional Experience
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering Program, 2012 - Present
- Professor, Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Geod. Engineering, The Ohio State University, 1996-2012
- Director, Ohio Water Resources Center, 2006-2012
- Registered Professional Engineer, State of Ohio
