William Walker, a molecular biologist and professor at the University of Pittsburgh, has been appointed director of the Women’s Health Innovation and Science Translational (WHIST) Center at Penn State Behrend.

Walker currently serves at the Magee-Womens Research Institute and is known for his research in reproductive biology.

At Behrend, he will lead the WHIST Center, part of the $26 million MWRI-Erie initiative, a collaboration involving MWRI, UPMC, the Hamot Health Foundation, and the Erie Community Foundation.

His work will help expand the center’s research in fertility and women’s health, while also strengthening connections with UPMC and MWRI.

Behrend Vice Chancellor Alicyn Rhoades praised Walker as a sharp researcher and strong mentor with a growing vision for the center.

The WHIST Center is supported by a $10 million endowment and includes two state of the art labs.

Walker plans to grow its collaborative seed-grant program and increase student involvement in clinical research, including patient-facing roles that prepare undergraduates for future careers.

Walker also aims to partner with Behrend’s School of Engineering to develop new biomedical tools and devices, such as support meshes for pelvic organ prolapse and materials that reduce environmental impact from medical waste.

“I see myself as a facilitator and collaborator who will work to grow the biomedical research capabilities at Penn State Behrend,” Walker said.