Virginia Walker

Dr. Virginia Walker is an Emerita Professor in the Department of Biology at Queen's University. Her research focuses on environmental microbiology, plant physiology, and cryobiology, with a strong emphasis on Arctic ecosystems and the application of antifreeze proteins in biological systems. She leads the Virginia Walker's Lab and has contributed extensively to understanding microbial communities in extreme environments, including the impacts of pollution and climate change on Arctic species. Her work integrates molecular biology, proteomics, and field studies to address ecological and biomedical challenges.

Dr. Walker's research spans diverse topics such as bacterial community dynamics in freshwater systems, the role of ice-binding proteins in cryopreservation, and mercury contamination in Arctic food webs. She collaborates with Indigenous communities to advance contaminant research and sustainable practices in the Arctic. Her lab has produced over 40 peer-reviewed publications since 2016, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to environmental and biomedical science.

Her students and trainees have explored areas like microbial responses to nanoparticles, antifreeze protein mechanisms, and Arctic fish microbiomes. She has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers, fostering their contributions to fields such as environmental toxicology and plant stress biology.

Dr. Walker's lab is affiliated with Queen's University's Department of Biology, located in Kingston, Ontario. Her work aligns with broader initiatives in ecological conservation, climate resilience, and biotechnological innovation.