Walker recently joined the lab as a Ph.D. student with co-advisment from Dr. Trevor Rife. His M.S. work consisted of studying the physiological and lipid-metabolism related responses to heat-stress in peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Walker has a strong background in molecular biology techniques, management of greenhouse systems, plant pathology, & crop physiology. In the Hershberger lab, he will conduct research projects that further the breeding of new varieties of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) that meet both grower and consumer demands.