Baker, 42, an associate professor of chemistry at Florida Institute of Technology, will be station science leader at Palmer Station during the more than two-month mission.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about a new ecosystem, one that is different from all my prior diving experiences,” he said, noting that the expedition will expose the team to new species of marine organisms.

A Salinas, Calif., native, Baker’s been interested in science since he was a kid hunting and hiking in the backcountry of Central California. His research has included chemical and biological studies of the Antarctic sponge.

He also serves in various capacities with professional organizations that include the American Chemical Society, American Society of Pharmacognosy, International Society of Chemical Ecologists, Sigma Xi, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.

At Florida Tech he teaches various courses, including natural products chemistry, organic chemistry, and advance laboratory techniques. His teaching also includes instructing high school teachers through programs at Florida Tech and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aquanaut Program.

When he’s not traveling to the coldest place in the world, Baker spends his time with his wife, Jill, stays in shape by running, and goes camping with his 8-year old son, Jeremy.