Research Interests

Published Manuscripts + Chapters:

• Baker, E., Choy, T., Veytsman, E., Martin, A. M., Blacher, J. & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2023). Lessons learned from a predominantly Latinx autistic population: Preliminary results of effects of the PEERS intervention on neural and perceived educational performance. Mind, Brain, and Education, 17(2), 117-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/mbe.12350

• Baker, E., Veytsman, E., Choy, T., Blacher, J. & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2021). Investigating changes in reward-related neural correlates after PEERS intervention in adolescents with ASD: Preliminary evidence of a ‘precision medicine’ approach. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.742280

• Stavropoulos, K. K. M., & Baker, E. (2021). Priming the pathway: Combining oxytocin and behavioral intervention to improve outcomes in autism spectrum disorder. In W. Wu (Ed.), Oxytocin and Health. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96859 

• Alba, L.A., Baker, E., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2021). In vivo electrophysiology for reward anticipation and processing. In M. Fakhoury (Ed.), The Brain Reward System (Vol. 165, pp. 307-326). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1146-3_15

• Baker, E., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2020). The effects of oxytocin administration on individuals with ASD: Neuroimaging and behavioral evidence. In M. Ilieva & W. K.-W. Lau (Eds.), Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science (Vol. 173, pp. 209–238). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.009

• Baker, E., Vetysman, E., Martin, A. M., Blacher, J., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2020). Increased neural reward responsivity in adolescents with ASD after social skills intervention. Brain Sciences, 10(6), 402. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060402

• Marin, A. T., Hutman, T., McDonald, N., Ponting, C., Dickenson, A., Carver, L., Baker, E., … & Jeste, S. S. (2020). Electrophysiological signatures of visual statistical learning in 3‐month‐old infants at familial and low risk for autism spectrum disorder. Developmental Psychobiology, 62(6), 858-870. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.21971

• DiStefano, C., Dickinson, A., Baker, E., & Jeste, S. S. (2019). EEG data collection in children with ASD: The role of state in data quality and spectral power. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 57, 132–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2018.10.001

• Hutman, T., Harrop, C., Baker, E., Elder, L., Abood, K., Soares, A., & Jeste, S. S. (2015). Joint engagement modulates object discrimination in toddlers: A pilot electrophysiological investigation. Social Neuroscience, 11(5), 525-530. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470919.2015.1114966

• Jeste, S. S., Kirkham, N., Senturk, D., Hasenstab, K., Sugar, C., Kupelian, C., Baker, E., … &  Johnson, S. P. (2015). Electrophysiological evidence of heterogeneity in visual statistical learning in young children with ASD. Developmental Science, 18(1), 90-105. https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.12188

Conference Works (Posters/Talks/Papers):

• Baker, E., Veytsman, E., Choy, T., Blacher, J., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2022, May). Neural response to intervention: Alpha asymmetry and theta oscillations of reward. Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. (Virtual conference)

• Alexander, C. J., Baker, E., Choy, T., & Meltzoff, K. (2024, May). Probabilistic learning and neural reward processing in college students with high and low autism quotient scores. Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Melbourne, Australia.

• Stavropoulos, K. K. M., Baker, E., Alba, L., & Veytsman, E. (2020, May). Impact of PEERS social skills intervention on social motivation and reward. In E. E. Neuhaus (Chair) and A. Key (Discussant). Translational perspectives on social motivation in autism spectrum disorder [Symposium]. International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. (Virtual conference)

• DiStefano, C., Marin, A. T., Baker, E., & Jeste, S. S. (2017, May). ERP evidence of semantic processing in children with ASD. In C. DiStefano (Chair) and S. S. Jeste (Discussant). Variability at the minimally verbal end of the spectrum: Evidence from biology and behavior [Symposium]. International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.

• DiStefano, C., Dickenson, A., Baker, E., & Jeste, S. S. (2017, March). EEG data collection strategies for children with ASD: The role of state in data quality and spectral power. In S. S. Jeste (Chair). Electrophysiological biomarkers of risk prediction and outcome in neurodevelopmental disorders: Methodological considerations and insights gained from studies in ASD, ID and ADHD [Symposium]. Annual Gatlinburg Conference, San Antonio, TX. 

• Baker, E., Martin, A. M., Veystman, E., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2020, August). Neural correlates of social reward processing following the PEERS® intervention. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Meeting, Washington DC, USA. (Virtual conference)

• Marin, A. T., Yu, H., Baker, E., Nguyen, B., Ware, M., Pompan, E., McDonald, N., Gulsrud, A., Kasari, C., & Jeste, S. S. (2018, May). Attention to faces in toddlers showing early signs of autism spectrum disorder: A marker of early risk. Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

• DiStefano, C., Baker, E., Marin, A. T., & Jeste, S. S. (2017, September). Using EEG to assay language processing in minimally verbal children with ASD. Poster presented at Flux: The Society for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Congress, Portland, OR.  

• Pompan, E., Marin, A. T., Baker, E., & Jeste, S. S. (2017, May). EEG markers of learning from joint engagement in toddlers at high risk for autism spectrum disorder. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Francisco, CA.

• DiStefano, C., Baker, E., Marin, A.T., & Jeste, S. S. (2016, September). ERP evidence of semantic processing in children with ASD. Poster presented at Flux: The Society for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Congress, St. Louis, MO.  

• Baker, E., & Jeste, S. S. (2016, May). The impact of child characteristics on EEG data quality in infants at risk for and children with ASD. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Baltimore, MD.

• Tran, X. A., Baker, E., Frohlich, J., Huberty, S., & Jeste, S. S. (2016, May). Baseline EEG recordings in young children with ASD: Stimulus type matters. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Baltimore, MD.

• DiStefano, C., Baker, E., McCracken, J. T., & Jeste, S. S. (2016, May). Auditory statistical learning in children with ASD relates to verbal IQ: An ERP study. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Baltimore, MD.

• Sanders, A. J., Baker, E., Mucchetti, C., Jeste, S. S., Gulsrud, A., & Kasari, C. (2015, May). Face processing in infants demonstrating early signs of ASD. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Salt Lake City, UT.

Invited talks:

• Meltzoff, K. K. & Baker, E. (2023, October). Can EEG be used to advance “precision medicine” in autism? Evidence from Reward-related changes after the PEERS intervention. Invited lecture at the Claremont Colleges Keck Neuroscience Program. Claremont, CA.

• Baker, E. (2023, March). Using neurobiological research methods to study behavioral outcomes. Guest lecture conducted at UCLA Undergraduate Journal Club.

Public Scholarship: 

• Baker, E. (2021, January 20). Brain changes after intervention in ASD. Featured in the Neuroscience in Translation Blog on Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-translation/202101/brain-changes-after-intervention-in-asd

• Baker, E. (2021, January 19). Cheers for PEERS! Improved neural sensitivity to rewards in teens with autism spectrum disorder after intervention. Communicating Science at UCR (SciComm). https://scicomm.ucr.edu/blog/2021/01/19/cheers-peers-improved-neural-sensitivity-rewards-teens-autism-spectrum-disorder

Training:

• Selected to participate in UC-Davis/SDSU ERP Boot Camp in 2021 in San Diego, CA.

Published Manuscripts:

• Choy, T., Baker, E., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2021). Systemic racism in EEG research: Considerations and potential solutions. Affective Science, 3, 14-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-021-00050-0 

• Veytsman, E., Baker, E., Martin, A. M., Choy, T., Blacher, J., &  Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2022). Perceived and observed treatment gains following PEERS: A replication study with Latinx adolescents with ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53, 1175-1188. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05463-9

Conference Works (Posters/Talks/Papers):

• Baker, E. & Goodwin, A. K. B. (2024, June). “You don’t need therapy; just read the Bible:” Barriers of religion in Black youth mental health. Poster presented at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Psychiatry Research Day, Baltimore, MD.

• Baker, E., Martin, A. M., Veystman, E., Blacher, J., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2022, November). Flexibility with fidelity: Future directions for cultural adaptations to EBTs for Latinx families and children with ASD. In K. Dickson (Chair) and J. Blacher (Discussant). Evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatments for autistic individuals: Adapting approaches and predicting response [Symposium]. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Annual Convention, New York, NY.

• Martin, A. M., Blacher, J., Baker, E., Veystman, E., Choy, T., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2021, April). The social validity of the PEERS social skills program for ethnically and linguistically diverse families. In C. Neece (Chair) and S. Magaña (Discussant). Evidenced-based interventions for individuals with developmental delays and ASD: A focus on Latino families [Symposium]. Annual Gatlinburg Conference, Kansas City, MO. (Virtual conference)

• Veystman, E., Baker, E., Martin, A. M., Choy, T., Blacher, J., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2021, May). Self and parent reported treatment gains following PEERS: A replication study with Latinx adolescents with ASD. Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Boston, MA. (Virtual conference)

Public Scholarship:

• Baker, E., & VanHook, B. (2022, Summer). Gender and sexual identity of autistic individuals. Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder: Official Publication of APA Division 33, 48(1). http://www.division33.org/newsletter

• Gambetti, B. & Baker, E. (2020, Winter). Social and racial injustice in ASD. Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder: Official Publication of APA Division 33, 46(2). http://www.division33.org/newsletter

Published Manuscripts:

• Baker, E., Stavropoulos, K. K. M., Baker, B. L., & Blacher, J. (2021). Daily living skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Implications for intervention and independence. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 83, 101761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101761

Conference Works (Posters/Talks/Papers):

• Baker, E., Salinas, G. B., Baker, B. L. &  Blacher, J. (2023, August). Improved adaptive behaviors in autistic adults. In E. Laugeson (Chair). Understanding autistic adulthood: A focus on adaptive behavior and psychosocial factors over time [Symposium]. American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Meeting, Washington DC, USA.

• Baker, E., Baker, B. L., & Blacher, J. (2021, August). Adaptive behaviors improve throughout adolescence in individuals with ASD. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. (Virtual conference)

• Jalnapurkar, I., Hutman, T., Baker, E., O’Day, E., Freeman, S., Paparella, T., & Jeste, S. S. (2014, May). Adaptive motor impairment in young children with ASD. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Atlanta, GA.

Public Scholarship: 

• Baker, E., & VanHook, B. (2021, Winter). Finding and keeping employment in autistic adults. Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/Autism Spectrum Disorder: Official Publication of APA Division 33, 47(2). http://www.division33.org/newsletter

Leadership:

• Serving on the APA Division 33 workgroup as a member of the writing team to develop professional practice guidelines for the Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability in a Forensic Setting

Invited Talks:

• Baker, E. (2021, December). What is their role? How teens with autism view their siblings [Online Webinar]. Webinar presented at Sam’s Sibs Stick Together Webinar Series; sponsored by the Autism Science Foundation and Els for Autism.

• Baker, E. (2021, June). Sibling roles of adolescents with autism, intellectual disability, or typical development. In J. Blacher & K. K. M. Stavropoulos (Chairs), Family and teacher perceptions: Optimizing outcomes for youth with autism and developmental disabilities [Online Webinar]. California Department of Developmental Services & UCR SEARCH Center.

Conference Works (Posters/Talks/Papers):

• Salinas, G. B., Galligan, M.L., Baker, E., Baker, B.L., & Blacher, J. (2023, May). Parental hopes and young adult futures: Caregiver perspectives on the transition to adulthood with and without IDD. Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Stockholm, Sweden.

• Choy, T., Baker, E., Veystman, E., Martin, A. M., Blacher, J., & Stavropoulos, K. K. M. (2021, May). Parent perceptions of adolescents with ASD in the PEERS program. Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting, Boston, MA. (Virtual conference)

• Baker, E., Heyman, M., Bolourian, Y., Baker, B. L., & Blacher, J. (2021, April). The role of siblings: Qualitative perspective of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability and their caregivers. Poster presented at the Annual Gatlinburg Conference, Kansas City, MO. (Virtual conference)

• Heyman, M., Baker, E., Bolourian, Y., Baker, B.L., & Blacher, J. (2021, April). Mother, father, and adolescent perspectives: Sibling relationship quality of individuals with ASD, ID, or TD. Poster presented at the Annual Gatlinburg Conference, Kansas City, MO. (Virtual conference)

• Choy, T., Baker, E., Veytsman, E., Martin, A.M., Stavropoulos, K. K. M., & Blacher, J. (2020, August). The relationship between problem behaviors and family life following the PEERS® program. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Meeting, Washington DC, USA. (Virtual conference)

• Heyman, M., Baker, E. Losh, A. E., & Blacher, J. (2020, Feb.) Agreement between teachers and parents on ASD social behaviors. Poster presented at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Annual Convention, Baltimore, MD.

• Baker, E., Ponting, C., Hutman, T., Dapretto, M., & Jeste, S. S. (2017, May). Stigma and social perception of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Francisco, CA.

• Ponting, C., Baker, E., Jeste, S. S., Dapretto, M., & Hutman, T. (2016, May). "You never stop holding your breath:" Narratives of simplex and multiplex mothers with an infant. Poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Baltimore, MD.