Major Michael Baker is an Assistant Professor of Economics and a Research Analyst in the Office of Economic and Manpower Analysis (OEMA). He has been teaching in the Department of Social Sciences since the Fall of 2021, completing his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 2022. 

A member of the West Point class of 2010, MAJ Baker served as an Armor officer in the 4^th Infantry Division (Fort Carson, Colorado) from 2011-2014 and in the 1^st Infantry Division (Fort Riley, Kansas) from 2015-2018. His previous positions include Scout Platoon Leader, Troop Executive Officer, Squadron Logistics Officer (S-4), Assistant Brigade Operations Officer (S-3), and Troop Commander. His deployments include a combat deployment to Afghanistan (2011) and operational deployments to Kuwait (2013) and the Republic of Korea (2016-2017). His military training includes Airborne School, Armor Officer Basic Course, Army Reconnaissance Course, Infantry Mortar Leader Course, Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, Cavalry Leader’s Course, and Ranger School. 

He and his wife Heather have four children: Ella, Violet, Lily, and Caleb.