Maria J. Baker, MS, PhD

Geneticist, Genetic Counselor

Dr. Maria J. Baker received her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health in 1985 and her Doctoral degree in Genetics from the Penn State University College of Medicine in 1991.

Dr. Baker developed and coordinates the Penn State Hershey Cancer Genetics Program. She provides genetic counseling services to individuals who are concerned about a personal and/or family history of cancer. In addition, various cancer risk management strategies are discussed, including enhanced surveillance, positive lifestyle changes, chemoprevention, as well as the option of prophylactic surgery, to manage one’s personal risk for cancer.

Research Interests: Impact of cancer genetic counseling and testing on individuals and their families.