John Baker, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Dr. John Baker currently advises graduate students conducting research in areas related to thermodynamic systems (heat pumps), cryogenic heat exchangers, and microscale heat transfer enhancement involving phase change materials. Prior to retirement, he helped advise a group of students working on the BAMA-2 CubeSat. The BAMA-2 will examine the use of aerodynamic drag sails for the intentional de-orbit of spacecraft. Current plans are for the BAMA-2 to be deployed from the ISS in 2024. Funding for the mission is provided by NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative and multiple industrial sponsors.His research interests include energy systems, thermodynamics, heat transfer, space systems, and the use of machine learning to generate knowledge of complex systems. His research may be broadly described as multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO). His current research includes MDAO applied to cryocoolers, absorption refrigeration systems, controlled environment agricultural systems, and heat transfer systems involving phase change materials. Recent projects include the use of machine learning (Echo State Networks) to predict the behavior of turbulent jet flows and adversarial swarms. He is also interested in designing and analyzing non-conventional energy generation and storage devices.Dr. Baker formerly served as the Department Head for the UA AEM Department as well as the UA Campus Director for the Alabama Space Grant Consortium.