In becoming the Sport Science Director for Intermountain Health Care/The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (IHC/TOSH), James Walker has never forgotten the impact that Montana State University(MSU) had on his life. Walker who was from Missoula, Montana earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1982 and was encouraged to pursue a graduate degree by faculty who saw great potential in him.

"The extraordinary interest that Dr. Ellen Kreighbaum and Dr. Bob Schwarzkopf showed in me and my unrealized potential as a student and sport scientist, and their encouragement to pursue my graduate degrees are solely responsible for what I have been able to achieve in my career to date. My undergraduate days at MSU are still the highlight of my educational experiences."

During his last quarter at MSU Walker received a sponsorship from the Converse Athletic shoe company and competed for the Converse West Track and Field Club until 1988. Not only did he compete, but he also qualified for the US Olympic trials in the marathon event!

Walker currently manages the sport science service line for IHC and serves as the director of IHC's Sport Science Institute at TOSH in Salt Lake City, Utah.This world-renowned facility is the sport science and medicine provider for the U.S.A. Speed skating Team. They also provide sport performance enhancement programs to athletes from elementary age through the professional ranks in a facility that includes a physiology and biochemical lab, a gait/motion lab, and a nutrition center that all exist in concert with surgical and physical therapy service.

"We were highly involved in the training programs of numerous US olympic athletes leading up to the Nagano, Sydney, and Salt Lake City Olympic Games. We provided technological expertise and resources that were directly utilized in the training and evaluation of these athletes. My research staff supervised the Olympic Research Projects in Salt Lake City. In fact, Dr. Todd Allinger, a member of my staff and a Bozeman native and MSU grad, was the chair of the Olympic Research Projects effort in 2002." This experience has been a true high point for Walker.

To date, Walker has published more than 40 peer-reviewed research articles and has received or been the co-recipient of more than $2 million in research grants and contributions.

Walker also has an active life outside of his career. He says, "I'm a simple Montana boy at heart. My recreational time is spent hunting, fishing, camping and water skiing." He and his wife Karen agree that the highlight of their days is being able to support and watch their 3 children pursue their academic and athletic dreams.