Dr. Baxter is the Director of Great Salt Lake Institute (http://www.greatsaltlakeinstitute.org). She studies photobiology of halophiles (salt-tolerant bacteria) and microbial diversity of Great Salt Lake with her undergraduate students. She is interested in the astrobiology applications of extremely hypersaline ecosystems, in particular resistance to ultraviolet light and desiccation by halophiles. Dr. Baxter is also dedicated to integration of research in undergraduate science education and to outreach efforts that inspire learning and stewardship.