Jane Brotherton Walker (31 January 1925 – 3 April 2009) was a leading 20th century expert in the field of tick taxonomy, particularly in Africa. Born on 31 January 1925 in Nairobi, Kenya, Walker grew up on a farm and was home-schooled by her mother during her primary school years. She completed her secondary education in England where she graduated from the Retford High School for Girls in 1944. During her time in England, she contracted poliomyelitis, the sequelae of which would progressively affect her ability to walk, particularly during her senior years. She earned her Bachelor of Science (with Honours) degree in 1948 and her Master of Science degree in 1959, both at Liverpool University. In 1983, she was awarded a Doctor of Science (Hon.) degree by the University of the Witwatersrand,