Thomas B. Walker

Biography

I am an applied physiologist, with specializations in the area of aerospace and exercise physiology.  After receiving my M.S. in exercise physiology from the University of Louisville (and B.S. in Biology from the University of Dayton), I was commissioned as an Air Force Aerospace Physiologist.  I spent the first 13 years of my Air Force career teaching aviation physiology to aircrew. 

Although such teaching was rewarding, I wanted to expand my physiology knowledge and was fortunate to be selected for an Air Force-sponsored Ph.D. program.  In 2006, I earned a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico and began working for the Air Force Research Laboratory.  There I was able to participate in a great deal of human research that benefitted our armed forces.  Further, I was able to be the principal investigator on several applied physiology studies, publishing my research in journals as diverse as Metabolism, the Journal of Special Operations Medicine, and Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine. 

In 2011, I retired from the USAF and opened my own applied physiology consulting business.  I teach biology and flight physiology for ERAU and teach other health science classes at two other universities.

Education

• Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of New Mexico-Main Campus
• M.S. - Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, University of Louisville

Currently Teaching

• BIOL 120: Foundations of Biology I

Publications

Walker T.B., & Parker, M.J. (2014).  Lessons from the War on Dietary Fat.  Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Jun 9:1-5.  

Walker T.B., Dart, T., Morgan, T.R., & Balldin, U.I. (2014). Acceleration Endurance with Pressure Breathing During G with and without a Pressure Vest. Aviation, Space & Environmental Medicine, 85(4): 401-6.

Lennemann, L.M., Sidrow, K., Doczy, E., Harrison, C.R., Vojta, C., & Walker T. (2013). The Influence of Agility Training on Physiological and Cognitive Performance.  Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 27(12): 3300-9.

Walker, T.B., Anderson, V.E., Lennemann, L.M., Lyons, W., & Zupan, M.F. (2011). Adaptations to a New Physical Training Program in the Combat Controller Training Pipeline.  Journal of Special Operations Medicine, 11(2): 37-44.

Walker, T.B., Lennemann L., Mauzy C., McGregor J.N., & Zupan M.F. (2011). Physiological and Psychological Characteristics of Successful Combat Controller Trainees.  Journal of Special Operations Medicine, 11(1): 39-47.    

Walker, T.B., Balldin, U.I., Fischer, J., Storm, W., & Warren, G.L. (2010). Acceleration Tolerance after Ingestion of a Commercial Energy Drink.  Aviation, Space & Environmental Medicine, 81(12): 1100-6.

Walker, T.B., Smith J., Lebegue, B., Pinchak, A., Herrera, M., & Fischer, J. (2010). The Influence of 8 Weeks of Whey Protein and Leucine Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Performance.  International Journal of Sports Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, 20: 409-417.

Walker, T.B., Zupan, M.F., McGregor, J.N., Cantwell, A.R., & Norris, T.D. (2009). Is Performance of Intermittent Intense Exercise Enhanced by Use of a Commercial Cooling Device? Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 23(9): 2666-2672.

Walker, T.B., Altobelli, S.A., Caprihan, A., & Robergs, R.A. (2007). Failure of Rhodiola Rosea Ingestion to Effect Muscle Phosphate Kinetics in Trained Men. Metabolism, 56:1111-1117.

Robergs, R.A., Gordon, T., Reynolds, J., & Walker, T.B. (2007). Energy Expenditure During Bench Press and Squat Exercises. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21(1): 123-130.

Walker, T.B., & Robergs R.A. (2006). Does Rhodiola Rosea Possess Ergogenic Properties? International Journal of Sports Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, 16(3): 123-129.

Walker, T.B. (2006). Does Cordyceps Sinensis Ingestion Aid Athletic Performance?  Journal of Strength & Conditioning, 28(2): 2-4.

Awards, Honors and Recognitions

2009 AFMC Aerospace Physiologist of the Year

2012 University of Louisville Alumni Fellow