Walt Cooper, PhD

Walt supports the team with the development of the biotechnology ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas, specifically focusing on building a skilled regional workforce. Prior to joining SymBiosis, Walt led Innovation for Walmart Health and served as Managing Director of Health Initiatives within Alice L. Walton’s Art & Wellness Enterprises. Previously, he co-founded Cortica Healthcare, a technology-enabled provider group delivering multi-specialty care to children with autism. He began his career in healthcare at the VA, following 14 years of service as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer. Walt earned a PhD in Political Science from Harvard University, an MSc in Economic History from the University of Oxford where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and a BS in Economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point.