Brendan M. Walker, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, has been appointed Honors College Distinguished Professor for 2016–2018. Walker’s selection was based on his demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and service.
“Dr. Walker has made many important contributions to the Honors College through his outstanding teaching and as a research mentor for our students,” said Honors Dean M. Grant Norton. “The opportunities that he provides for undergraduates to work in his laboratory are amazing. I know he will continue to be a great supporter of our students in this new role.”
“Mentoring students from the Honors College has been, and continues to be, one of the highlights of my time at WSU,” Walker said. “I’m very excited about this opportunity to work more closely with the Honors College, and I look forward to the increased student and administrative interaction that this professorship will provide.”
The Honors Distinguished Professorship is “just one example of the many important collaborations we have with the Honors College,” said Daryll DeWald, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Our two colleges share many high-achieving undergraduates. Innovative researchers and teachers like Dr. Brendan Walker are critical in providing the education and opportunities that allow our students to succeed at the highest level.”
A member of WSU faculty since 2008, Walker maintains an active research program focused on the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol and drug abuse and on the development of pharmacotherapies for addiction.
He received a national Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, presented to him by President Obama at a White House ceremony in 2012.
