Ph.D., Tulane University of New Orleans, 1989
Professor Emeritus
Research Interests
Dr. Baker’s research interests focus on the intersection of law and politics in the executive branch, specifically the office of the U.S. Attorney General and the Justice Department. Her research examines the impact of anti-terrorism measures on the constitutional structures of separation of powers, federalism, civil liberties and privacy.
Publications and Awards
She is the author of two books on the office of U.S. Attorney General – General Ashcroft: Attorney at War (2006) and Conflicting Loyalties: Law and Politics in the Attorney General’s Office, 1789-1990 (1992), both published by Kansas University Press. In addition, she has published numerous academic articles, book chapters and encyclopedia essays. She has served as an invited scholar on the oral history projects of the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations for the Miller Center of the University of Virginia. As one of the few political scientists who study the office of the attorney general, she has been interviewed by such media outlets as the New York Times, The Economist, NPR’s Weekend Edition, and Public Radio International.
Courses Taught
American Presidency, Civil Liberties, Law and Sex, Constitutional Law, International Law, Comparative Legal Systems, Introduction of Political Science, Seminar in American Politics, Honors: Citizen and the State, and Women and Politics.
Contact Information
Email: nbaker@nmsu.edu
Breland Hall room 345, NMSU main campus
575-646-4935
