Academic and Research Interests:
Dr. Baker joined the department in Fall 2009. Her general interests include the application of biological and social science to study and conserve wildlife species and their habitats. Dr. Baker emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to assessing and resolving environmental problems (such as human-wildlife conflict) and collaboration with local communities to effectively balance conservation goals with development needs. She is particulary interested in African rainforest monkeys and the region of West Africa. In Nigeria, her research has focused on applying methodologies better suited to monitoring rare and hunted monkey populations, evaluating the changing relationship between local people and sacred monkeys, and identifying key requirements for the long-term conservation of both hunted and sacred populations.

Teaching:
ENV 1301: Exploring Environmental Issues
ENV 2376: Environment and Society
ENV 3306: Conserving Biodiversity

Selected Publications:
Baker, L.R., Arnold, T.W., Olubode, O.S., & Garshelis, D.L. Submitted. Use of occupancy modelling to assess abundance and habitat use of Sclater's monkey (Cercopithecus sclateri): a rare forest primate.

Baker, L.R., Tanimola, A.A., Olubode, O.S., & Garshelis, D.L. 2009. Distribution and abundance of sacred monkeys in Igboland, Southern Nigeria. American Journal of Primatology 71: 1-13.

Baker, L.R. & Olubode, O.S. 2008. Correlates with the distribution and abundance of endangered Sclater's monkeys (Cercopithecus sclateri) in southern Nigeria. African Journal of Ecology 46: 365-373.

Baker, L.R. (Ed.). 2002. Guidelines for Nonhuman Primate Re-introductions. Re-introduction NEWS 21: 29-57.