Denise A. Baker, Ph.D.: Cognitive Human Factors Researcher & Expert Witness

Denise A. Baker, Ph.D. is a highly cited cognitive human factors research scientist, educator, and consultant, bringing over a decade of specialized expertise in analyzing cognitive factors that influence human behavior in complex situations. Dr. Baker offers defense attorneys invaluable expert witness and consulting services grounded in rigorous scientific analysis and evidence-based insights that can illuminate critical aspects of criminal cases.

Comprehensive Analysis & Strategic Insight for Your Cases

Dr. Baker applies her expertise to systematically evaluate how cognitive human factors interact with situational stressors, technology, and environments—factors frequently central to criminal defense cases. Her approach provides defense attorneys with clear, scientifically robust analyses that can identify weaknesses in prosecution narratives, illuminate overlooked contributing factors, and compellingly support defense theories involving:

Human perceptual limitations and biases
Decision-making under stress or duress
Cognitive factors affecting memory and recall
Technological and environmental factors that negatively impact cognitive processes

An Experienced and Respected Leader in the Field

Dr. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology from Arizona State University, as well as an M.S. and a B.Sc. in Psychology from the same institution. Her academic background began in the field of cognition and law, then rapidly expanded to cognitive psychology, social psychology, engineering psychology, statistical analysis, experimental design, and interdisciplinary understanding of human-systems interactions. Her research has been widely published in leading, peer-reviewed journals such as Cognition, Neuroethics, Science and Engineering Ethics, Public Understanding of Science, and PLOS One.

Prior to transitioning into private consulting, Dr. Baker served as a human factors research scientist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), where she conducted comprehensive analyses of critical incidents through a human factors lens. Her work at NIOSH centered around identifying cognitive, organizational, and technological factors underlying human performance errors, design-induced mistakes, and safety-critical decision-making—expertise directly applicable to criminal defense cases where human perception, memory, and judgment are questioned.

Leading up to her role at NIOSH, Dr. Baker spent seven years as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology specializing in Human Factors at Missouri University of Science and Technology. As an award-winning researcher and educator, she led numerous innovative research projects, collaborated across a broad range of disciplines, helped secure over $10 million in federal funding, and taught an incredibly diverse group of students and stakeholders.

This strong academic and professional foundation ensures her expert consultation and testimony are grounded in established scientific principles that withstand cross-examination.

Expert Witness Testimony: Credible, Clear, and Persuasive

Dr. Baker is skilled at translating complex scientific principles into clear, persuasive expert testimony suitable for judges, juries, and other legal stakeholders. Her substantial speaking experience in public and academic settings, as well as her significant track record of peer-reviewed publication, ensure her analyses and presentation withstand rigorous scrutiny. From jurors with basic education to judges and legal experts, Dr. Baker makes critical human factors evidence accessible and compelling in any courtroom setting.

Areas of Expertise for Consulting and Expert Testimony

Stress-Related Human Error: Analysis of how cognitive biases, attentional limitations, memory constraints, and other psychological factors influence human behavior and decision-making under stress or duress.
Critical Incident Analysis: Rigorous human factors analyses identifying cognitive, organizational, and environmental factors that contribute to critical incidents relevant to criminal or injury cases.
Perceptual Reliability & Witness Accounts: Assessment of cognitive and environmental factors that impact perceptions and reliability of eyewitness accounts and identifications.
Environment & Technology-Related Human Error: Evaluation of errors stemming from unfavorable environmental conditions, poorly designed user interfaces, misleading instructions, or inadequate policies and procedures.
Public Understanding of Scientific Evidence: Expert analysis of how the presentation and framing of scientific and technological evidence influences jury perception, comprehension, and decision-making—critical for building effective defense strategies.
Complex Data Analysis: Expertise in analyzing multi-faceted datasets to identify patterns, establish causal relationships, and provide quantitative support for defense arguments that challenge prosecution narratives.

Tailored Consulting Services for Defense Attorneys

Recognizing that every attorney approaches their case uniquely, Dr. Baker is deeply committed to tailoring her consulting services to fit your specific needs. Whether you require in-depth human factors analysis for complex felony matters, strategic consultation on witness reliability, or expert testimony to clarify social and cognitive psychological principles for a jury, Dr. Baker provides adaptable, insightful, and scientifically robust support.

Committed to Justice, Fairness, and Client-Centered Advocacy

Dr. Baker understands the profound impact criminal accusations have on defendants and their families. She provides meticulous, personalized consulting and witness services that prioritize fairness, accuracy, and clarity. By applying rigorous scientific insights to your defense strategies, Dr. Baker aims to empower attorneys to deliver the vigorous defense every client deserves.

Why Choose Dr. Denise A. Baker?

When you partner with Dr. Denise A. Baker, you gain:

An authoritative expert in human factors analysis and cognitive psychology.
Scientifically rigorous, persuasive expert testimony that withstands scrutiny and resonates clearly with juries.
Consulting tailored specifically to your defense strategy, client needs, and case objectives.
An experienced educator and communicator capable of distilling complex scientific evidence into compelling, courtroom-ready content.

Dr. Denise A. Baker stands ready to deliver scientifically grounded insights, credible expert testimony, and strategic consulting to support your clients and strengthen your defense team.

For inquiries, consultation requests, or further discussions about working together, please contact Dr. Denise A. Baker directly:

Email: dbaker@totusdefense.com