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Dr. Stephen F. Baron

Dr. Stephen Barron

Professor of Biology

  • Harry G M Jopson Professor of Biology
  • Advisor, Alpha Chi

Department: Biology and Environmental Science

Stephen F. Baron graduated from the University of Dayton with a B.S. and M.S. in biology. After a brief experience as an industrial microbiologist in Chicago, he attended Virginia Tech and received a Ph.D. in anaerobic microbiology. Baron then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. He joined the Bridgewater faculty in 1995. His research interests include biodegradable plastics from bacteria and microbial production of biodiesel.

Contact information

Education and certifications

  • Education: B.S., M.S. in Biology, University of Dayton; Ph.D., Anaerobic Microbiology, Virginia Tech; Postdoctoral research, Medical College of Virginia: molecular biology of bile acid metabolism by colon bacteria

Teaching Fields

  • General, environmental, and pathogenic microbiology; molecular biology; human genetics; introductory majors and non-majors biology

Expertise and Topics

To inquire about scheduling a speaker or topic, contact the Bridgewater College Media Relations team at mediarelations@bridgewater.edu.

Speakers Bureau

  • Biofuels: Solving the Energy Crunch

    A 60-minute presentation on biologically-produced fuels and energy alternatives including methane, ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, microbial fuel cells and biodegradable plastics. The presentation includes how these fuels and energy alternatives are produced as well as their commercial feasibility. Participants will be able to construct their own microbial fuel cells. If a pond is available on-site, a live demonstration of biological methane production will follow the presentation.

  • DNA: The Amazing Molecule

    This 45-minute, hands-on workshop is suitable for elementary and homeschooled students. The presentation begins with a demonstration of DNA spooling and an introduction to the structure and function of DNA. Students will then isolate DNA from their own cheek cells in a visible form, which they can take home as a souvenir.

Media Expert

  • Molecular biology

  • Biodegradable plastics

Research areas and specializations

  • Production and biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (bacterial plastics); biofuels; microbial fuel cells

Personal interests

  • Music, woodworking, gardening, automobile repair