Stokes Baker

Academic Profile

Stokes Baker is Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Detroit Mercy's College of Engineering & Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Ohio State University and researches plant responses to environmental stressors, particularly phosphate pollution in aquatic systems.

Research Focus

Baker's work integrates molecular biology with environmental science:

• Duckweed genomics under nutrient stress
• Metagenomic analysis of freshwater ecosystems
• Development of accessible DNA barcoding techniques

His NSF-funded projects create hands-on laboratory experiences for undergraduates.

Teaching Innovation

Pioneers inquiry-based courses using GFP-tagged plants and next-gen sequencing. Designed the 'Fueling the Car of Tomorrow' STEM curriculum for high schools, awarded by the National Science Teachers Association.

Honors

• Postlethwait Award for teaching excellence (2016)
• Multiple NSF grants exceeding $289,000
• Ford Foundation curriculum development award