# Robert Allen Walker

> Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University 1988

**Wikidata**: [Q102282299](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102282299)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-allen-walker

## Summary
Robert Allen Walker is a computer scientist and university teacher who earned his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1988. He has served as a faculty member at Kent State University since 1996, following a seven-year tenure at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Walker is recognized within the academic community for his contributions to computer science education and research.

## Biography
- **Born:** August 19, 1959
- **Nationality:** Not specified in source material
- **Education:** Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University (1988); Doctoral Advisor: Donald Thomas
- **Known for:** Computer science research and academia
- **Employer(s):**
    - Kent State University (1996–Present)
    - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1989–1996)
- **Field(s):** Computer Science

## Contributions
Robert Allen Walker has dedicated his career to the advancement of computer science through academia. His primary contribution lies in his role as a university teacher and researcher. After completing his doctoral studies under the supervision of Donald Thomas at Carnegie Mellon University in 1988, Walker entered the academic workforce.

He began his teaching career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1989, where he served on the faculty for seven years until 1996. During this period, he contributed to the educational mission of the institute within the computer science sector. In 1996, Walker transitioned to Kent State University. As a faculty member at Kent State, he has maintained a professional web presence detailing his academic affiliations and background. His career trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to higher education and the training of future computer scientists.

## FAQs
### Q: Where did Robert Allen Walker receive his education?
A: Robert Allen Walker received his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1988.

### Q: What is Robert Allen Walker's academic background?
A: He is a computer scientist and university teacher who studied under doctoral advisor Donald Thomas.

### Q: Which universities has Robert Allen Walker worked for?
A: Walker worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 1989 to 1996 and has been employed by Kent State University since 1996.

## Why They Matter
Robert Allen Walker represents the essential backbone of the computer science field: the academic educator and researcher. His work matters because it bridges the gap between high-level research—initiated at a top-tier institution like Carnegie Mellon—and the broader educational mission implemented at public universities like Kent State. By mentoring students and conducting research over a career spanning more than three decades, Walker has contributed to the intellectual growth of the field. His long tenure ensures the continuity of computer science curricula and the development of the workforce required for the industrial and service sectors.

## Notable For
- Earning a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1988.
- Serving as a doctoral student under advisor Donald Thomas.
- Holding a faculty position at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
- Maintaining a long-standing academic career at Kent State University starting in 1996.
- Being identified as a significant contributor to the computer science industrial and service sectors.

## Body

### Education and Early Career
Robert Allen Walker was born on August 19, 1959. He pursued higher education in computer science, culminating in the completion of his Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University in 1988. His doctoral research was conducted under the guidance of his advisor, Donald Thomas. This educational foundation placed him within the network of computer scientists emerging from one of the leading research institutions in the United States.

### Academic Appointments
Walker’s professional career is defined by his service at two major institutions:
*   **Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:** Walker joined the faculty in 1989 and served until 1996. This seven-year period established his reputation as a university teacher and researcher.
*   **Kent State University:** In 1996, Walker joined Kent State University. He has maintained his affiliation with the university, contributing to its computer science program.

### Professional Identity
Walker is classified as a computer scientist associated with both the industrial and service sectors. His identity in the academic community is further documented through his DBLP author ID (w/RobertAWalker) and his listing in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 93738). He maintains a professional profile hosted by Kent State University's Department of Computer Science.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://www.cs.kent.edu/~walker/)
3. Library of Congress Name Authority File