Dr. Brett Baker

Associate Professor

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Biography

Brett Baker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marine Science and co-director of the Center for Planetary Science at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on marine microbial ecology, particularly the role of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, and viruses, as key mediators of the planet's elemental cycles. Baker's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding the ecological roles of diverse microbial communities by employing advanced DNA sequencing technologies and computational analyses. He has developed and implemented environmental omics approaches to investigate the fine-scale evolutionary processes within microbial communities. His work has led to the reconstruction of genomes from widespread uncultured sediment microbes, providing insights into biodiversity, ecology, and the origins of eukaryotes. His research interests include molecular biology, genetics, microbial processes, nutrient cycling, and marine ecosystem dynamics. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Michigan, as well as an M.S. and B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to science, including election to the American Academy of Microbiology and a Sloan Foundation Fellowship in Ocean Sciences.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2021-01-01 — Present

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

Conducting research and teaching in the fields of marine microbial ecology and planetary science.

Assistant Professor

2015-01-01 — 2021-01-01

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

Focused on microbial ecosystems and educational responsibilities.

Senior Research Fellow

2014-01-01 — 2015-01-01

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

Led research projects in marine science.

Research Associate IV

2010-01-01 — 2014-01-01

University of California Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Conducted research in Earth and planetary sciences.

Awards

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Elected Fellow

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Sloan Foundation Fellowship

#

Simons Early Career Microbial Ecology Evolution

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1st Place

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.