Deana Baker

Dr. Deana Baker brings both academic and industry expertise to her teaching at Goshen College. She earned her PhD in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago, where her research examined how biodiverse nature images affect stress responses during physical activity and recovery. She also holds Master’s degrees in science education and pharmacy (DNA and serology concentration), as well as a bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Mennonite College.

Before joining Goshen College, Dr. Baker spent over 30 years working in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. As a consultant, she specialized in quality systems, regulatory compliance, and validation, leading projects for companies such as Genentech, Boston Scientific, 3M, and Zimmer. She continues to serve as a consultant in the medical device industry.

At Goshen, she is excited to help students connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Her teaching and research interests include human physiology, pharmacology, stress, and human performance.

Education

• PhD – Health and Human Performance, Concordia University Chicago, 2023
• MS – Forensic Science (DNA & Serology), University of Florida, 2014
• MS – Science Education, California State University, Hayward, 1992
• BS – Biology, Eastern Mennonite College, 1986

Professional Organizations

• National Association of Biological Teachers (NABT)
• American Physiological Society (APS)
• American Society of Quality (ASQ)
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS)

Certifications

• ISO 13485 2016 Lead Auditor

Doctoral Dissertation: Acute Effects of Biodiverse Nature Images on the Stress Response in Middle-Aged Women During Physical Activity and Recovery (2023).

Presentation of Dissertation at Hawaii International Education (2024) Conference and American Physiology Society (2025).

Volunteer researcher at Merry Lea, Monitoring Avian Productive and Survivorship (MAPS)

Dr. Baker is a 2016 inductee in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.