Travis E. Baker, PhD

Travis E. Baker, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Rutgers University in the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience and Director of the Neurostimulation and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding how brain systems that support motivation and reward become disrupted in substance use disorders, with a particular emphasis on tobacco and opioid use disorders. Using a combination of EEG, neuroimaging, and noninvasive brain stimulation, his work aims to identify and restore the neural processes that support healthy goal-directed decision-making and recovery. His research has shown that targeted brain stimulation can improve sensitivity to non-drug rewards and enhance reward learning in individuals who use nicotine, offering a promising, circuit-based approach to treatment. Dr. Baker completed his PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Victoria, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Montreal and Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University. He is currently leading several NIH-funded studies focused on developing more effective, personalized interventions for substance use disorders.