Donald M. Walker

Donald M. Walker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). He earned his Ph.D. in 2012 from Rutgers University, focusing on the systematics and evolutionary biology of plant pathogenic fungi. His research explores microbial interactions in wildlife, particularly the dynamics between host microbiomes, pathogens, and environmental factors. Walker’s work emphasizes fungal pathogens threatening biodiversity, such as snake fungal disease (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) and white nose syndrome in bats (Pseudogymnoascus destructans).

Education:

• Ph.D., Rutgers University, 2012
• B.S., SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 2007
• A.A., SUNY Niagara County Community College, 2005

Research Interests:

Walker’s lab investigates microbiome assembly in reptiles and amphibians, focusing on how pathogen-induced dysbiosis (PID) and bacterial-fungal interactions (BFIs) influence disease outcomes. Projects include field studies in the Southeast U.S. biodiversity hotspot, lab experiments on microbial enrichment, and collaborations to develop bioaugmentation strategies for conservation. Key themes include microbiome-driven disease resistance, fungal pathogen ecology, and functional roles of microbial communities.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Lead PI on NSF grants totaling $3.61M, including studies on fungal pathogen impacts and gut microbiome functions.
• Collaborative work with UC Riverside, Oregon State University, and others on herptile microbiomes and fungal metabolites.

Awards:

• 2023 NSF Award: $1M for research on PID and biodiversity conservation.
• 2021 NSF Collaborative Grant: $2.61M for gut microbiome studies.

Labs & Teams:

He directs the Microbiome Ecology Lab at MTSU, which integrates molecular techniques, high-throughput sequencing, and ecological modeling. The lab hosts the Undergraduate Microbiome Scientist Program, fostering student research in microbiome science. Collaborations span academia and conservation agencies like the US Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy.