Brian Baker

Brian Baker is the Coleman Professor of Life Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry in the College of Science. He leads the Baker Lab, which focuses on the structural and biophysical mechanisms of molecular recognition in the immune system, particularly T cell receptor (TCR) interactions with peptide-MHC complexes. His research integrates structural biology, protein biophysics, immunology, and machine learning to advance understanding of immunity in cancer, autoimmunity, infection, and transplantation.

His research interests include antigen presentation, TCR recognition, cancer immunotherapy, neoantigen-based vaccines, and the role of mechanical forces in immune signaling. He has pioneered work on the dynamic allostery of pMHC complexes and the engineering of TCRs for therapeutic applications. His lab actively collaborates with clinicians and industry partners on cell therapies and vaccine development.

Recent publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating structural insights with immunological function, leveraging AI and computational tools to decode TCR specificity and design novel therapeutics. His work spans fundamental biophysics to translational applications in cancer and transplantation.

Scientific Awards:

• SER-CAT Outstanding Science Award (2023)
• Coaches vs. Cancer Innovator Award (2018)
• Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2014)
• Director of Graduate Studies Award (2012)
• Research Scholar of the American Cancer Society (2005)
• NSF Career Award (2005)
• Cancer Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship (1998–2001)

Brian Baker has advised numerous graduate students, including George Gray, Sarah Catherine Baker Hawthorne, Bassant Eldaly, and Chad Brambley. His lab has been supported by grants from the NIH, American Cancer Society, and NSF. He previously served as Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Founding Director of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program.

The Baker Lab is a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team that bridges basic science and clinical applications, with active projects in cancer vaccines, cell therapy, and transplantation immunology.