Erin Ruth Baker PhD

Dr. Erin Ruth Baker, 38, of Albany, New York, passed away in her home on Friday, March 7th, 2025, surrounded by people who love her. From the Greenville (Illinois) High School class of 2005, Erin Ruth went on to attain a bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and a master's of science at Morehead State University. Dr. Baker earned her PhD in Psychology from Bowling Green State University on May 6th, 2016. Erin Ruth and Dr. Dev Dalal married that very same day - in the Department of Psychology faculty lounge at BGSU - launching a profound intellectual, spiritual, and emotional journey together.
Erin Ruth Baker was an associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology in the School of Education at University at Albany, State University of New York, where her research focused on how resources, poverty, and culture influence the cognitive and social development of preschool children. In addition to teaching graduate and undergrad courses, Erin also supervised research and field experience; joined and chaired various committees, sub-committees; and directed the Social Cognition in Preschool (SCIP) Lab. Erin Ruth found student mentorship to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of her professional life. Dr. Baker was an internationally-recognized scholar, publishing numerous peer-reviewed articles, presenting her research nationally and internationally, and serving on numerous journal editorial boards. In addition, Dr. Baker was a member of several professional organizations and served as a Fellow for the International Study for Research on Aggression. Dr. Baker earned honors and awards from Bowling Green State University, University at Albany, The University of Oldenburg, and The American Psychological Association.
Erin Ruth applied her impressive intellect, tenacity, and creativity toward deepening safety, equity, and inclusivity in her personal as well as professional life. Erin wanted to see and understand as much of the world as possible, so she became a world-traveler (but never a tourist), spending weeks or even months in locations across all four hemispheres. Erin deeply appreciated the variety of customs, traditions, arts, and experiences of humans around the globe, and sought to extoll the connections amongst all. Erin Ruth's vivacity emblazoned every aspect of her life. Erin and Dev curated a family of incredible friends whom she loved and cherished. Together they placed enormous value in adventure, creativity, discovery, and fun.
Erin enjoyed supporting her loved ones as they played various sports but also loved exerting her own physicality while hiking, kayaking, swimming, SCUBA diving, rock climbing, and in all other ways revelling in the grandeur of the natural world. Erin Ruth created art whenever possible – from paintings and pottery to costumes and iconic parties. Erin played video and board games, toured libraries and museums, loved sampling diverse foods and sharing favorite cafes. Erin Ruth wandered and wondered, learned and loved, feared nothing and tried everything this world had to offer her. Erin Ruth touched lives widely and deeply; strove to protect animals, children, and all who lack safety; spoke out for those whose voices are too-often silenced; and moved through life with energy, confidence, and determination beyond measure. Above all else, Erin Ruth was incomparably whimsical (she could make you laugh so hard you cried), unwaveringly optimistic, and unconditionally loving. Erin Ruth contained multitudes, and multitudes mourn her passing.
Erin Ruth Baker is survived by her husband, Dr. Dev Dalal, her father Robert (Jacinta) Baker, her mother Doris (Casey) Overturf, brothers Shane (Jennifer) Davis and Josh (Randi) Davis, sisters Ali (Brian) Corson and Jessica (Mark) Boucher, more than 20 adored niblings, cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins, beloved in-laws, and treasured friends.
Two Celebrations of Life will be held for Erin Ruth. One event will occur in Albany, NY, on Saturday, March 29th, at the McVeigh Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 11:00 am, with services and tributes starting at 2:00 pm.
The other event will take place in Mt. Vernon, IL, on Saturday, May 3rd, at Central Christian Church (times to follow).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Humane Society or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society - a charity very dear to Erin's heart.