Dr. Calvin Walker began aquaculture waste research in the early 1990s at Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge. Today, the university's aquaculture waste efforts have led to a patent with a second patent pending. The patent is the first for the university and the Center. Walker credits his major professor at Oregon State University, Dr. David C. England, for initially inspiring him to focus on uncommon approaches for common problems in agricultural production. For example, Walker investigates non-traditional feed sources which could result in increased profitability.

Dr. Walker believes that research scientists, especially those in Louisiana, should strive to develop uses for aquatic waste. According to him, if this waste is not used in some form, millions of pounds of raw waste will continue to end up in our landfills.