Walker named Honors College Distinguished Professor

By Adrian Aumen, College of Arts & Sciences

PULLMAN, Wash. – Brendan M. Walker has been appointed Honors College Distinguished Professor for 2016-18 at Washington State University, based on demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and service.

“Mentoring students from the Honors College has been, and continues to be, one of the highlights of my time at WSU,” said Walker, who is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology.

“Dr. Walker has made many important contributions through his outstanding teaching and as a research mentor for our students,” said M. Grant Norton, Honors College dean. “The opportunities that he provides for undergraduates to work in his laboratory are amazing.”

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. He is one of three WSU recipients of the award.

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.”