Kimberly E. Walker

Kimberly E. Walker serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Medical Diagnostics within the Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences at the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences, where she oversees academic programs and conducts research at the intersection of clinical microbiology and healthcare policy.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University
• B.S. in Medical Technology from University of Maryland at Baltimore

Dr. Walker's research integrates diagnostic bacteriology with health policy development, focusing on Enterobacteriaceae identification, infection control protocols for medical devices, and regulatory frameworks for laboratory testing. Her work emphasizes practical applications in clinical settings through rigorous laboratory science and evidence-based policy advocacy, particularly regarding Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) and endoscope safety standards.

Publication analysis reveals consistent emphasis on bridging technical microbiology with real-world healthcare challenges, spanning diagnostic accuracy, regulatory compliance, and congressional-level science policy. Key themes include infection prevention in endoscopic procedures, bacterial pathogen characterization, and legislative impacts on diagnostic testing access.

Professional recognition includes:

• ASM/AAAS Congressional Science Fellowship serving in Senator Paul D. Wellstone's office

As Director of Medical Diagnostics, she administers undergraduate programs (including Medical Diagnostics Pre-PA tracks) and graduate courses like Diagnostic Bacteriology (MMSC 438/638) and Graduate Regulations (MMSC 605), while mentoring students through the department's 4+1 BS/MS pathways. Her leadership extends to curriculum development for medical laboratory science accreditation.

Her academic operations are centered at UD's Health Sciences Complex, where she directs program infrastructure connecting classroom instruction with clinical laboratory applications in medical diagnostics.