Christine Baker

Christine Baker is an Assistant Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Stanford University, part of the School of Engineering. She leads the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Lab, focusing on coastal processes, wave dynamics, and climate change impacts. Her research explores nearshore currents, sediment transport, and coastal hazards like rip currents, using tools such as LiDAR, 3D modeling, and a custom wave tank (11m x 5m) to simulate multidirectional waves.

Her work addresses how rising sea levels and extreme storms reshape coastlines, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to coastal ecosystems, public health, and infrastructure resilience. She collaborates with federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers to improve predictive models for coastal management. Dr. Baker prioritizes equitable student admission and fosters a lab environment centered on mental health and diversity.

Key research themes include surfzone eddies, rip current dynamics, and dune erosion during storms. Her studies integrate field measurements (e.g., LiDAR for dune evolution) with experimental and numerical models to enhance understanding of coastal processes.

• Labs/Teams: Environmental Fluid Mechanics Lab (wave tank experiments)
• Future Work: Interdisciplinary projects on coastal ecosystems and public health impacts