Walton graduated from the University of California-Santa Cruz before spending a couple of years at Cornell University and ultimately obtaining his doctoral degree from Stanford University. He can now be found spending endless hours in MSU’s Plant Research Laboratory. There he works one-on-one with undergraduate and graduate students as well as collaborating with other scientists and authors across the country conducting research studies.

“Just how plants function and the way they impact our lives is very appealing,” Walton said. “Everything from the beauty of gardens, for example, to spices to drugs that come from plants to the use of forests and crop plants. On so many different levels plants impact us, and I just find it really interesting.”

When he is not in the laboratory, Walton can be found enjoying nature in other ways by taking walks in the woods, traveling or sailing with his two sons. When it comes to literature, Walton’s interests are not bound to the thick biology books that scatter his office. He’s a big Harry Potter fan.

According to Walton, what many people don’t realize is that science is a “social occasion.”

“Honestly, the most fun part of all of this is interacting with your colleagues,” Walton said. “We spend a lot of time talking to each other. The greatest thrill in the world is when you find someone who shares your passion. There are a handful of people out there who are intensely interested in the same things I am, and when we get together we just have a great time.”