Rich Walker

Rich Walker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). His research focuses on freshwater ecosystems, particularly understanding how stressors affect stream biodiversity and ecological processes. He leads the Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.

Education: PhD in Ecology (University of Wyoming, 2019), MS in Biology (University of Central Arkansas, 2011), and BS in Environmental Science (University of Central Arkansas, 2008).

Research interests include freshwater salinization, non-perennial stream dynamics, and fisheries conservation. His work bridges basic and applied questions, such as how climate change and human activities alter water quality and habitat availability. Recent studies explore predictive modeling of conductivity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and biogeochemical responses in intermittent streams.

Publications span Environmental Science & Technology Water, Nature Water, and Science of the Total Environment. His 2024 studies address conductivity trends and non-perennial stream management. Key findings include global gaps in salinization research and crayfish population dynamics under climate variability.

Service roles include membership in UTC’s Curriculum Committee, Izaak Walton League’s Save Our Streams, and the Hartman Nature Reserve Board. Teaching covers ecology, limnology, and fisheries management.