Dr. Rachel Baker

Dr. Rachel Baker joined Queen’s University as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in July 2023, with a cross-appointment to the Department of Chemistry. Before joining Queen’s, Rachel completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology under Dr. Karthish Manthiram. Her research here focused on mechanistic investigation of organic electrochemical systems. Rachel completed her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, under the supervision of Dr. Mark Lautens, and earned her Bachelor’s in Engineering Chemistry at Queen’s University. Her PhD work involved the development of dearomative rhodium-catalyzed cyclopropanation reactions from cyclopropenes, and the synthesis of imidazothiazole compounds for the control of parasitic nematodes.

Rachel’s research is investigating how electricity can be used as a renewable energy source, and greenhouse gases can be captured and used as sustainable building blocks to improve the carbon footprint of manufacturing paints, pharmaceuticals, plastics and other valuable chemical products. Her early impact on the scientific community has earned her a place on 2025 Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Science, Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40, and the 2024 John Charles Polanyi Prize in Chemistry from Ontario’s Universities. As the Robins Professor, she is strengthening the relationship between Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and providing valuable leadership to the Engineering Chemistry program. Beyond academics, Rachel is deeply engaged in outreach and advocacy for diversity in STEM. She participates in many public engagement events, including Science Rendezvous and Go Eng Girl, inspiring young minds to explore careers in science and engineering.