Kenneth Walker, known professionally as Jim Walker, serves as a Lecturer in the School of the Environment, Faculty of Science, at the University of Queensland. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Administration) from Queensland University of Technology and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Canberra, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Science at UQ. As a Yiman and Goreng Goreng Elder from central Queensland, Walker's academic interests center on integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into environmental science. His research specializations include the role of Indigenous knowledge in conservation decision-making and resource management, particularly for migratory marine species; climate change solutions and climate justice; post-mining transitions; indigenising environmental science curricula; threats to totemic stingless bees and sacred pollinators; and health messaging and vaccination attitudes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walker has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including 'Connecting conservation and culture: The importance of Indigenous Knowledge in conservation decision-making and resource management of migratory marine species' (Marine Policy, 2023), 'Knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and attitudes to and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccination: a survey' (Medical Journal of Australia, 2024), and ''We remain committed as ever': Indigenous researchers and a constitutional entrenched voice to Parliament' (Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, 2025). He has contributed book chapters such as 'Indigenising the environmental science curriculum part 1: foundations' and 'part 2: in practice' (2025). Walker has secured competitive funding, including an ARC Discovery Indigenous grant (2026-2031) for 'Understanding threats to totemic stingless bees,' the HEAL Innovation Fund project 'Caring for Sugarbag: Monitoring, Ethics and Education for Sacred Pollinators' (2026), and UQ's Indigenous Research Engagement and Partnerships Fund for 'Caring for Country, Caring for Kin' (2026). He serves as an associate advisor for a Master of Philosophy thesis on heritage in a changing climate and is a member of the TERN Science Advisory Committee. Walker engages in curriculum development, teaching Indigenous perspectives in science courses, and public outreach through podcasts and opinion pieces on Indigenous voices in climate deliberations.

Professional Email: kenneth.walker@uq.edu.au