معرفی
Phillip M. Baker serves as Associate Professor of Psychology in the School of Psychology, Family, and Community at Seattle Pacific University (SPU), where he has been a faculty member since 2018. His neuroscience research investigates how the brain integrates sensory inputs with internal states like stress, hunger, and fear to guide complex decision-making processes.
Dr. Baker's educational background:
- BA, Eastern Mennonite University, 2007
- PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2013
His research program focuses on neural circuitry mechanisms using zebrafish and rodent models, with particular emphasis on the lateral habenula's role in behavioral flexibility, reward processing, and cognitive control. The Baker Lab examines how brain circuit alterations contribute to conditions like addiction and developmental disorders, while exploring pharmacological interventions for neural restoration. Dr. Baker teaches advanced courses including Behavioral Neuroscience, Comparative Neuroanatomy of Behavior, Psychopharmacology, and Health Psychology.
Analysis of Dr. Baker's publication record reveals consistent investigation of neural substrates for executive function, with recurring themes in lateral habenula circuitry, dopamine modulation, and cross-species behavioral paradigms. His work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications for neurological and psychiatric conditions, frequently employing lesion studies and circuit manipulation techniques to understand decision-making pathologies.
No scientific awards were specified in available information. Dr. Baker actively mentors undergraduate research assistants through all research phases from experimental design to publication, reflecting SPU's commitment to undergraduate research integration. The Baker Lab maintains active programs in neural circuit dynamics using animal models, with ongoing work examining pharmacological restoration of brain function following injury or developmental challenges.
