Dominique Baker is an assistant professor of education policy at Southern Methodist University. Her research focuses on the way that education policy affects and shapes the access and success of underrepresented students in higher education. Recent and ongoing projects examine student financial aid, affirmative action and admissions policies, and policies that influence the ability to create an inclusive & equitable campus climate. Baker’s research has been funded by the Spencer Foundation, American Educational Research Association, SMU Texas-Mexico Center, and Texas OnCourse Research Network. She earned her PhD from Vanderbilt University and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Virginia.