Professor given Fulbright Scholar grant

BY ALESHA JAMES

Dianne Baker was recently selected to receive a 2014-2015 Fulbright Scholar U.S. Grant. Baker is an associate professor of biological sciences at the University Mary Washington. Baker will travel to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Olso, Norway in order to start her research, which will begin in Jan. 2015

Baker joined the UMW biology department in 2006. She earned a M.S. from the University of Washington for her research in fish immunology and a Ph. D for research on hormonal regulation of fish growth and reproductive development. After completing her doctorate degree, she conducted further research on neuroendocrine crime control of growth and reproduction at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

“Baker definitely deserves this scholarship since she obviously has extensive experience with researching varied topics in her field. This award could give the biology department more credibility to its staff, which is something there can never be too much of,” said Stephanie Buckler, a freshman math and Latin double major.

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. government and seeks to establish bonds between the U.S. and people of various countries. This program is active in more than 155 countries.

“Dr. Baker deserves the scholarship because she is dedicated and passionate about her field of study. She is always encouraging students to ask about any material they don’t understand,” said senior Simret Asgedom

While Baker is in Norway she will be given the opportunity to be a guest lecturer on animal physiology at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science.