معرفی
Dr. Andrew Walker is a Research Fellow in the King laboratory at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. His research focuses on the structure, function, and biomedical applications of venom and silk polypeptides from arthropods. He investigates neglected insect venoms from assassin bugs, robber flies, and nettle caterpillars, with a particular emphasis on their evolution and potential for drug discovery. Dr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a PhD from the Australian National University.
- Education:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), Australian National University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University
His research interests include venom evolution, silk biomaterials, and integrating omics technologies for biodiscovery. He supervises multiple PhD and Master’s students and has received funding for projects like 'Nettles & toxic toupees: the molecular weaponry of venomous caterpillars' (ARC Discovery Projects 2020–2023). Dr. Walker collaborates widely, with co-authors including Professors Glenn King and Bryan Fry.
His recent publications explore venom composition in caterpillars, assassin bugs, and spiders, as well as the development of eco-friendly bio-insecticides. He also investigates the medical and veterinary impacts of caterpillar urticating setae and the functional genomics of parasitoid wasp venoms.
