Carol Baker

Carol Baker is an Emeritus Research Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University's Eberly College of Science. Her research focuses on molecular biological engineering of photosynthetic reaction centers in cyanobacteria to enhance energy flow from light. She has also contributed to studies on microbial physiology, RNA-protein interactions, and the effects of microgravity on gene expression. Her work spans over 35 years, including collaborations with Dr. Don Bryant and Dr. John Golbeck in the Bryant Lab.

Key research areas include biophysics, biochemistry, microbiology, and enzymology. Her recent studies explore membrane protein engineering, bacterial gene regulation, and synthetic biology applications. She has served on university committees, including the Climate and Diversity Committee, and the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department’s committees.

Carol Baker's publications highlight advancements in understanding RNA-binding proteins (e.g., CsrA), bacterial motility regulation, and photosynthetic energy conversion. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with applied biotechnology, such as improving membrane protein purification techniques and designing synthetic pores for solute transport.