College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Appointed: 2003-2022
Email: [email protected]
Degrees: B. S., University of California, Davis, 1971
M.S., University of California, Davis, 1976
Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 1982

Dr. Whalen is a veterinary neuroscientist whose research centered on the study of retroviral induced nervous system dysfunction and of peripheral nerve regeneration. The focus of his retroviral research was to investigate the neurotoxic potential of virus-associated envelope glycoproteins. In collaboration with Dr. Douglas Ishii, he studied insulin-like growth factor stimulation of motor nerve regeneration and in separate studies, preservation of limb reflexes following central nervous system damage. He served as Interim Chair of the Department Anatomy and Neurobiology and currently serves as the Director of the Neurosciences Division of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. He is a member of the University’s Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC).

Teaching Awards and Recognitions

• CVMBS Innovative Instructional Methodology Award for Undergraduate Teaching, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 2004
• University Distinguished Teaching Scholar, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 2003
• CVMBS Innovative Instructional Methodology Award, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 2002
• Provost’s, N. Preston Davis Award for Instructional Innovation, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 2000
• Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 1986
• Citation for Teaching Excellence; Academic Senate, University of California Davis, CA 1981
• Citation for Teaching Excellence, Department of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, CA 1979