Arthur Bertram Cuthbert Walker, a renowned astrophysicist, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 24, 1936. He was the only child of Cuthbert Walker, an attorney from Barbados, and Hilda Forte, a social worker. Walker’s early exposure to science was facilitated by his mother, who fought for his education at an elementary school in Harlem, New York. His passion for physics and chemistry led him to the Bronx High School of Science, where he honed his skills and knowledge. Influenced by his mother, he pursued a major in physics at the Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1957. His thirst for knowledge and research led him to the University of Illinois, where he obtained his master’s degree in 1958 and a doctorate in nuclear physics in 1962.
Although his doctoral research focused on nuclear physics, Walker’s career took a turn toward the field of X-ray and ultraviolet solar radiation. He became a pioneer in designing specialized telescopes carried aboard spacecraft to capture images of the sun and its corona. His professional journey began as an Air Force second lieutenant at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where he worked on constructing instrumentation for a satellite experiment to measure Van Allen belt radiation. This experience ignited his interest in space exploration and scientific experiments conducted beyond Earth’s atmosphere. From 1965 to 1974, Walker worked at the Space Physics Laboratory of the Aerospace Corporation in California, where he conducted groundbreaking experiments related to the sun and the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
In 1974, Walker joined Stanford University as a professor of physics and applied physics. Notably, his first doctoral student was Sally K. Ride, who later became the first American woman to travel to space. Walker’s expertise and leadership were further recognized when he was appointed to chair the presidential commission that investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Throughout the 1990s, he led a team of scientists in pioneering the application of normal incidence X-ray optical systems to astronomical observation. Their work resulted in capturing spectacular images of the sun, one of which graced the cover of the esteemed journal Science and garnered applause at the American Astronomical Society convention.
Walker’s impact extended beyond his scientific contributions. He dedicated himself to mentoring minority and female scientists, particularly African American physicists. Over three decades, he mentored nearly 40 African American doctoral students in physics at Stanford, surpassing the number of black doctorates at other leading institutions. His commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field of physics has left a lasting legacy. As he neared the end of his illustrious career, Walker embarked on a collaboration to utilize X-ray spectroscopy to create three-dimensional images to unveil the composition of celestial bodies. Regarded as the West Coast dean and a guiding figure for black physicists, Walker’s influence extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a member of the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity and was known for his unwavering support for aspiring scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Tragically, Arthur Bertram Cuthbert Walker passed away on April 29, 2001, at his home on Stanford’s campus at the age of 64 after battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Victoria, a daughter, two stepsons, and four grandchildren. His contributions to astrophysics and his dedication to mentoring aspiring scientists continue to inspire future generations and have left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
Arthur Bertram Cuthbert Walker’s pioneering work in astrophysics and his unwavering commitment to diversity and mentorship have solidified his place as a trailblazer in the field and a champion for underrepresented scientists. His legacy serves as a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have on both scientific advancement and the nurturing of future talent in the field of astrophysics.