Dr. David Baker, U.S. Army, Army Research Laboratory

Dr. Baker is recognized for his pioneering research that has enhanced renewable energy technologies constrained by size and weight and is critical to the U.S. Army and the Department. He led efforts that created a remarkable paradigm shift in fuel cell conversion efficiency by illuminating metal nanoparticles to catalytically oxidize alcohols, which enabled the full conversion of alcohols for fuel cells thus extending operating lifetimes of future powered devices. In addition, he developed new water-splitting catalysts made of Earth-abundant materials demonstrating higher activities than expensive and rare state-of-the-art metals. Dr. Baker’s leadership and expertise in research and development, coupled with inspiring the next generation of scientists, have greatly advanced the Department’s mission.