Laurie Walkner is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health and the Interim Director of the Institute for Public Health Practice. She is also the Co-Director of the Midwestern Public Health Training Center (MPHTC), funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which works to enhance the knowledge and skills of the existing and emerging public health workforce to improve the lives of all people. Her background includes clinical research in reproductive endocrinology and work in the areas of reproductive health, occupational safety and health, community health planning, public health emergency preparedness, and public health workforce development. 

In collaboration with the PRC, she is a member of the health equity training team that has implemented a peer learning experience with public health agencies.