Nathaniel L Baker

Nathaniel L Baker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), College of Medicine. He holds an MS in Biostatistics from the Medical College of Georgia. His research focuses on statistical modeling, nicotine/tobacco research, and substance abuse treatment trials, with particular emphasis on analyzing substance use cessation and abstinence measurement methods. Dr. Baker has contributed as a lead statistician and co-investigator to multiple NIH-funded grants.

Education:

• MS in Biostatistics, Medical College of Georgia

Research Interests: His work addresses statistical methodologies applied to addiction research, including clinical trial design for substance use disorders (e.g., cannabis, opioids, nicotine). He explores biological and behavioral factors influencing treatment outcomes, such as hormonal effects on craving and stress reactivity. His team develops novel interventions leveraging oxytocin, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and pharmacotherapies like N-acetylcysteine.

Grants & Advising:

• NIH-funded studies on cannabis use disorder in youth and adults
• Clinical trials evaluating varenicline for e-cigarette cessation
• Investigations into oxytocin’s role in cocaine use disorder

Labs/Teams: Works within MUSC’s addiction research networks and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in biostatistics, neuroscience, and clinical psychology.