Humility, Knowledge, and Access: Raymond Walter at TEDxFayetteville

Raymond Walter is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and a Distinguished Doctoral Fellow in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Arkansas. Only nineteen years old, in May 2013 he graduated at age eighteen from the U of A with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Physics, and Economics. His mathematics research concerns Clifford analysis, especially in connection with mathematical physics. In physics, he researches ferroelectrics and related materials with the Computational Condensed Matter Physics Group at the University of Arkansas. He enjoys opportunities to encourage young people in making prudent educational decisions and interested students in pursuing scientific research.
Raymond suffers from the degenerative muscular disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 3500 live male births. DMD involves gradual breakdown of muscle, loss of strength, inability to walk by age twelve, eventual cardiac and respiratory problems, and premature death. Raymond hopes to inspire young people with disabilities and in particular with muscular dystrophy to achieve academic success. He participated in the 2013 Disability Awareness Month at U of A and was featured in the Winter 2014 issue of Quest Magazine, published by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Raymond can be seen on campus with his father, Hal Walter, who serves as his caretaker. Each week they return home to maintain their family's farm located in Baxter County, which has been featured on the Farm Credit Services national website. Raymond remains connected to agriculture through the FFA, in which he competed heavily at Mountain Home High School. He received an Honorary American FFA Degree in November 2013.
Raymond takes a strong interest in economic and personal liberty, both in general and for those with disabilities, from a classical liberal perspective.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)