Syracuse Sun

Emilee Baker, a Ph.D. candidate in special education, is preparing to embark on a distinctive postdoctoral research journey in a biology lab at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. This opportunity comes as a perfect fit for Baker, who expressed, "This job aligns with all of my vast and intersecting interests—education and learning, the environment and nature, qualitative research, writing, inclusive education, instruction, social justice issues, neurodiversity, disability and queerness."

The postdoctoral role represents a significant shift for Baker, who initially aimed to pursue a career as an assistant professor of inclusive education. However, the job market led her down a different path, eventually guiding her to a position that resonates deeply with her diverse passions and skills. Reflecting on her journey, Baker shared, "I was freaking out. People kept telling me I’d find the right position, though I was getting nervous. But I did end up finding what seemingly is going to be a perfect position for me."

Baker's research focus on inclusive environmental education for marginalized youth has opened doors to unique opportunities, such as her involvement with a summer camp tailored for queer, disabled, and students of color. She recalls the transformative experience of connecting with students in a setting that allowed them to learn and grow in an inclusive and healing environment, away from traditional educational structures.

Associate Professor Sarah Eddy, who oversees the biology lab where Baker will be working, commended Baker's interdisciplinary background and qualitative research expertise. Eddy emphasized the value of partnering with individuals like Baker, stating, "What I have valued is the depth of knowledge graduates have developed, through their education Ph.D., in quantitative methods, qualitative methods and/or both educational theory and also critical theories."

As Baker prepares to delve into her new role, she acknowledges the importance of collaboration and collective efforts in research. She expressed her excitement about working within a team, highlighting the significance of shared experiences in lab settings. Baker stated, "You can’t do research alone, let alone good research, and the most impactful experiences I’ve had at Syracuse are in lab spaces and collective groups."

This upcoming chapter in Baker's academic journey represents a merging of her diverse interests and expertise, offering her a platform to explore innovative approaches to inclusive education and research.