Michelle Baker's Service as Interim Science Dean Continues Until 2022

Michelle Baker, professor in the Department of Biology and the USU Ecology Center, will continue to serve as the College of Science’s interim dean for another year. Baker, who joined USU in 1999, initially assumed leadership of the college as interim dean on Jan. 1, 2021, following the retirement of Dean Maura Hagan, who served from 2015-2020. The announcement was made by USU Executive Vice President and Provost Frank Galey.

“Serving as interim dean during the past year has been a rewarding experience, even during a challenging pandemic year,” said Baker. “I’m indebted to our faculty, staff and students, who’ve risen to the challenge and displayed remarkable resilience. I look forward to continued service as we work toward of college’s mission of teaching, research, outreach and service.”

Baker previously served as the college’s associate dean for research and faculty. Promoted to full professor in 2011, her research interests include aquatic ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, water quality and hydrology. Baker led the statewide, six-year National Research Foundation-funded iUTAH EPSCoR initiative, aimed at strengthening science networks for Utah’s water future. She was awarded the state’s prestigious Pioneers of Progress Award in 2017.

“Interim Dean Baker has done an exceptional job leading the college,” said Galey. “I am delighted that she has agreed to the appointment as we plan for a continuation of a search for a dean.”

The College of Science includes the academic departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics.