His work focuses on the development of an automated navigation system for orbital proximity operations using continuous thrust propulsion and passive visible and infrared imaging. His research has been developed under the advisement of Prof. David Spencer (AE, Georgia Tech) as part of the Prox-1 University Nanosat project within the Center for Space Systems and the Space Systems Design Laboratory. Walker received a $10,000 award along with this first place honor.

Named after Frank J Redd, PhD, the founder of the AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites, the Student Scholarship Competition provides student with the opportunity to share their work on small satellite concepts and missions. Papers are presented on relevant study and research related to: small satellites, their subsystems and payloads; mission concepts; and related infrastructure (launch vehicles or ground systems).