WASHINGTON – Howard University is pleased to announce the appointment of Donnell Walton, Ph.D., as the University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) deputy director. 

Dr. Walton, a distinguished industrial physicist with over 25 years of experience, will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s research initiatives. His extensive background in transforming research into market-driven products and his leadership in cutting-edge technology development will contribute significantly to UARC’s mission of fostering innovation and research excellence at Howard University. 

Dr. Walton brings an impressive track record of product-focused research in areas such as optical communications, biological sensors, high-power lasers, consumer electronics, and wireless technology for autonomous vehicles. His work has been recognized in over two dozen US patents and more than 100 scholarly articles and conference presentations. 

Most recently, Dr. Walton led the Corning West Technology Center, where he managed agile teams of scientists, engineers, and business development professionals. He successfully explored emerging technology markets and established strategic partnerships with universities, corporations, and the venture capital community. 

Dr. Walton’s deep expertise in both industry and academia makes him a valuable addition to Howard University. He previously served as a physics professor at Howard University, where he built a laboratory for innovative laser research and conducted groundbreaking studies at the Advanced Photon Source. His exceptional contributions to the field were recognized with the prestigious NSF CAREER grant. 

Additionally, Dr. Walton is an active leader in scientific and academic organizations, having served on the American Physical Society Committee on Minorities, the National Advisory Board of the Inclusive Graduate Education Network, the IBM/HBCU Quantum Board, and the National Society of Black Physicists. He is also a fellow of both the American Physical Society and the National Society of Black Physicists. 

In his new role as UARC deputy director, Dr. Walton will drive collaborative research efforts, support the development of strategic initiatives, and strengthen Howard University’s role as a leader in technological innovation. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing research at UARC, reinforcing the University’s ongoing commitment to excellence in both applied and academic research. 

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About Howard University 

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American PhD. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.