George Baker

I grew up in Aberdeen, Maryland and count myself highly blessed to have such a wonderful hometown. I greatly benefitted from the superlative science and music culture of this community. I attended the local Methodist church from an early age through high school, and became serious about my faith by listening to local radio evangelists. I backslid badly during my college years but renewed my commitment during my graduate studies at the University of Virginia. I presently serve as an elder at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, VA. From the musical standpoint, I received outstanding instrumental instruction and played clarinet, sax and drums in Aberdeen High School Band. I studied with a local concert pianist. My vocal music interests were cultivated at Aberdeen High School and I enjoyed singing and accompanying for mixed and men's choruses. One of my favorite musical experiences during my formative years in the 1960s was playing keyboard for several rock bands. During college I organized and directed the band for two musical theater productions. In later life, I have been active in Church music as worship leader and keyboardist. The Aberdeen Proving Ground science and technology culture inspired me to pursue a very satisfying career as a physicist at the Harry Diamond Laboratory, the Defense Nuclear Agency, Northrop-Grumman, James Madison University professor, and now professor emeritus. I can’t close without expressing sincere gratitude to my wife, my children, my parents, my extended family, teachers, pastors, friends, and, of course, God for blessing me so richly along the way.

My Life

Favorite Quote

"To conclude, therefore, let no man out of a weak conceit of sobriety, or
an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain, that a man can search too far
or be too well studied in the book of God's word, or in the book of God's
works; divinity or philosophy; but rather let men endeavour an endless
progress or proficience in both."- Francis Bacon in 'Advancement of Learning'

“We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.” –Thomas Jefferson

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." - David

Friends describe me

as loyal, encouraging and humorous.

My hobbies

Piano, hiking, canoeing

Best advice I ever received

1. Love the Lord and love your neighbor. 2. It's not what you know, but Who you know that's most important

My undergrad alma mater

Western Maryland College

My worst subject in school

Wood Shop

In college I drove

a 66 Mustang

If I weren't a professor, I would

be a keyboardist with a retro rock band.

Favorite books

To Serve Them All My Days, Killer Angels, Mere Christianity

Favorite movies

Lord of the Rings, Bourne Identity, Breach, The Kings Speech, Pride & Prejudice

Favorite city

London

Favorite coffee

Starbucks

Nobody knows I

presented my Ph.D. dissertation in a private audience with Carl Sagan.

My latest accomplishment

Petitioned the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure back-up electric power for U.S. nuclear reactors and spent-fuel storage sites. Petition was accepted for official action.

Current Research

Effects of solar superstorms and nuclear EMP on the U.S. power grid.