people

Steven F. Baker

Originally from Rochester, NY. Outside lab, Steve enjoys wrangling three dogs, a cat, and a son with his wife, along with exercise, music (RIP former cover band, Open Places), exploring Chicago, and having AI guide his journey in fixing up a home.

BS, SUNY Buffalo. PhD, University of Rochester (advisor: Luis Martínez-Sobrido). Postdoc at UW-Madison (advisor: Andy Mehle). Assistant Professor at Lovelace Biomed prior to moving to Loyola University Chicago in 2026.

Find him at @sfbkr on Bluesky.

Amanda Forti

Originally from New Hampshire. Outside of lab, Mandy enjoys baking (mainly sourdough bread), watching movies, exercising, and playing with her two cats, Willow and Finn.

BS, University of Rochester. PhD, University of Delaware (advisor: Aditya Kunjapur).

Recruiting a postdoc

In search of candidates with experience in and/or a desire to pursue virus-host interactions, post-translational modifications, and RNA splicing. Well qualified individuals will also demonstrate excellence in oral and written communication, lab and project management, and an ability to supervise and mentor trainees. Get in touch with Steve to chat more.

Alumni — the founding group at Lovelace Biomedical, 2021–2025

Jillian Merrifield — Undergraduate, 2024-25. UNM, Biology & Global/National Security Studies. Current: La Esperanza Preschool.
Mike Ohman — Postdoc, 2024-25. PhD, UW-Madison; PharmD, Drake University. Current: USDA (postdoc).
Etienne Martinez Gonzalez — Undergraduate, 2023-2025. UNM BA/MD program. Current: UNM (undergrad).
Himadri Nath — Postdoc, 2023-25. PhD, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Current: Texas Biomed (postdoc).
Michelle Fairow — Master’s, 2023. UNM, Cybersecurity and Business Analytics. Current: Supercomputing Challenge.
Brent Riley — Lab Technician, 2022-24. Current: Oregon Health & Science University (grad student).
Joshua Mann — Lab Technician, 2022-23. Current: Los Alamos Technical Associates.