Dr. Thomas Waltzek was recognized with Washington State University’s esteemed Catalyst Award at the ninth annual WSU Research Excellence Awards ceremony.
The Catalyst Award honors a senior faculty member whose research or creative work has inspired lasting, meaningful impact across disciplines and communities, fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge through diverse and sustained partnerships.
Waltzek, who serves as the Ed McLeary Distinguished Professor in WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was recognized with the award for his role in helping bolster the university’s aquatic health research program. In addition to his vision for WSU’s aquatic health program, Waltzek’s infectious disease research protects aquaculture, wildlife and public health.
“I’m really appreciative of this Catalyst Award,” Waltzek said. “I came here to try to help build up the aquatic health program that had already been started long ago, but I felt we really had the opportunity to reach critical mass across the departments, as well as across the university.”
Waltzek said the award wouldn’t be possible without the support from his colleagues Dr. Kevin Snekvik, who has been a major force behind the aquatic health program at WSU in his role as executive director of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory; Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology Chair Dr. Kelly Brayton; College of Veterinary Medicine Dean of Research Dr. Jon Oatley; and Dr. Kim Christen, WSU’s vice president of research, to name only a few.
“I wouldn’t be here without them, and I am very appreciative of all their support,” Waltzek said.