Andrew Baker

Research Synopsis

Dr. Baker directs a neuroscience laboratory with capacity for cell culture; calcium imaging, single cell and field electrophysiology; histopathology and protein analysis; and physiologic and behavioural paradigms in rodents. His lab has developed models of white matter injury with multiple readouts. He has established a blast injury model in the rodent evaluating subclinical severity. His lab has described a model of brain blast injury in the zebrafish and are evaluating new and repurposed drugs. His research also evaluates the use of progenitor cells in repair of brain injury.

Clinically, his research team is evaluating the use of a clinically available NMDA antagonist in delayed cerebral ischemia following subrachnoid hemorrhage. He has evaluated the impact of red cell transfusion on near infrared spectroscopy. They are also evaluating the inflammatory phenotype of athletes with persistent post-concussion symptoms. Dr. Baker leads a large provincial group evaluating knowledge translation and exchange for concussion care, specifically addressing access and standardization of data and approach. He is involved in the knowledge translation of death diagnosis for global application aimed at uniform standards and improved organ donation practices.