Directory profile for Dr. John Baker

Dr. John Baker, professor of aerospace engineering and mechanics, retired in 2023 after nearly 30 years in the University of Alabama System. His research interests focused primarily on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics, with particular emphasis on aerospace systems design and applied machine learning. Throughout his career, he worked to create unique experiential learning programs for his students. These included undergraduate microgravity flight opportunities, near space balloonsats, drones (blimps and fixed-wing aircraft), high-power rockets, and orbital CubeSats. Dr. Baker served as department head of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics from 2013 to 2018 and as UA campus director for the Alabama Space Grant Consortium from 2004 to 2017.