Aggie Women Lead: Michelle Baker, Dean of USU's College of Science

Editor’s Note: As part of a series, Utah State Today is publishing profiles of a variety of leaders. This interview with Michelle Baker, dean of the USU College of Science, is in observation of March as Women’s History Month.

Michelle Baker was named as dean of Utah State University’s College of Science in August 2022, and served as the interim dean for the college since Jan. 1, 2021. Additionally, Baker is a professor in the Department of Biology and an associate of the Ecology Center.

Baker previously served as the college’s associate dean for research and faculty. Promoted to full professor in 2011, her research focuses on physical, chemical and biological processes that affect water quality.

The following is the transcript of an interview that Baker conducted with Utah State Today.

Utah State Today: At what age did you know you wanted to enter your current field and leadership role? What sparked your initial interest in your field?

Michelle Baker: Sorting through childhood photos, I notice in virtually every picture, I’m holding a cat. I loved animals and would adopt random strays, catch lizards and stuff like that. If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I probably would have answered veterinarian. I didn’t know there was such a job as a scientist, I didn’t know any women scientists and I certainly didn’t know women could be scientists.

UST: Were there specific individuals or events that inspired and influenced your career choices?

MB: It wasn’t until I started undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania’s Lafayette College that I began to consider a scientific career. After my first semester, I switched my major from engineering to biology and was captivated by a course in the biology of invertebrates. We got to dissect worms and marine creatures like chitons. I was also fascinated when I learned the upperclassman who was the course teaching assistant was involved in research. I, too, got involved in undergraduate research, and it was life-changing, although my first research experience was less than engaging. I basically took over a project abandoned by another student. It involved taking care of a colony of mice that was my job to sacrifice after a few weeks.

UST: Was there a major influence that got you down the path you are currently on?

MB: After the experience with mice, I knew I didn’t want to pursue further research with animal models. But a helpful faculty mentor guided me to an environmental microbiology project that laid the groundwork for my lifelong work in aquatic ecology. I was in the right place at the right time and lucky to have good mentors, and from that experience I’ve learned to watch for unexpected opportunities. Becoming the dean of the College of Science was also random. It certainly wasn’t something I’d aspired to, but I’m finding it very meaningful to be in a position to have a positive impact on people, whether they’re a student, faculty member or a staff member.

UST: What is some advice you have been given that helped you on your journey? What advice would you give to other young people who are aspiring to follow their passion?

MB: Be open to opportunity: Serendipity can change your path in surprising and positive ways. And be resilient. Science teaches you that most learning happens after a failed experiment or a mistake in protocol. This is part of the process, and it is important to take a step back from disappointments and learn from them.

UST: What is a major project or initiative you are currently working on in your current field and leadership role?

MB: My personal research has always been interdisciplinary and collaborative. I think we have to move away from the vision of a scientist as a solitary dude in a white lab coat. So, I’ve been trying to bring people with common interests together through ‘collaboratories’ (collaborative laboratories). One of these collaboratories is ‘JEDI-STEM,’ short for “Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” through which we successfully to recruited and hired College of Science faculty members from a diverse applicant pool, who are committed to work together for inclusion and belonging across disciplines. It’s a model we plan to continue and I’ll be soliciting proposals next year.

UST: What inspired you about your current field (or position) and leadership role?

MB: I draw inspiration from many sources, but first and foremost, like many others in higher education, I’m inspired by students. They never fail to surprise me with their fresh insights, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. It is so inspiring when you see a student get that click of understanding, when they achieve something they’ve been striving for.