Research Interests

Materials and analytical chemist experienced with the synthesis, surface chemistry, and characterization of semiconducting, nanostructured, optical, catalytic, biological, and electrochemically active materials. Special interests in biomaterials interface chemistry and materials for energy applications.

Ph.D. Materials Chemistry, University Wisconsin-Madison, 2006

B.A. Chemistry, Grinnell College, 2001

• Vericella, J.J., Baker, S.E., Stolaroff, J.K., Duoss, E.B., Hardin, J.O., Lewicki, J., Glogowski, E., Floyd, W.C., Valdez, C.A., Smith, W.L., Satcher, J.H., Bourcier, W.L., Spadaccini, C.M., Lewis, J.A., Aines, R.D., 2015. Encapsulated liquid sorbents for carbon dioxide capture. Nature Communications 6, 6124.
• Floyd, W.C., Baker, S.E., Valdez, C.A., Stolaroff, J.K., Bearinger, J.P., Satcher, J.H., Aines, R.D. Evaluation of a Carbonic Anhydrase Mimic for Industrial Carbon Capture. Environmental Science & Technology, 2013, 47, 10049–10055.
• Baker, S. E.; Pocha, M. D.; Chang, A. S. P.; Sirbuly, D. J.; Cabrini, S.; Dhuey, S. D.; Bond, T. C.; Létant, S. E., "Detection of bio-organism simulants using random binding on a defect-free photonic crystal." Applied Physics Letters 2010, 97, 113701-113701-3.
• Baker, S. E., Hopkins, R. C., Blanchette, C. D., Walsworth, V. L., Sumbad, R., Fischer, N. O., Kuhn, E. A., Coleman, M., Chromy, B. A., Létant, S. E., Hoeprich, P. D., Adams, M. W. W., Henderson, P. T., "Hydrogen Production by a Hyperthermophilic Membrane-Bound Hydrogenase in Water-Soluble Nanolipoprotein Particles." J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131 (22), 7508-7509.

Sarah is interested in integrating advanced materials with biocatalytic systems to improve biocatatalysis for energy applications,  developing materials for energy applications, and carbon dioxide capture and removal. Currently, Sarah is leading both Laboratory Directed Research and Development and Department of Energy funded projects aimed at using electrocatalysis and microorganisms to recycle carbon dioxide and mitigate methane emissions. Sarah is a pillar lead for CO₂ based products in LLNL’s Carbon Initiative.

Professional experience:

LLNL: Group Leader-Materials for Energy and Climate Group (since 2020) Deputy Group Leader (2018-2020) Staff Scientist (2010–present) Post Doctoral Researcher (2007-2010).  Developed materials and experimental tools for carbon capture program,  developed magnet materials for Critical Materials Institute,  developed materials to support biocatalysis for energy applications.

Technical Career: Materials Synthesis, Electrochemical and Optical Detection, Biomaterials