Dr. Carol Baumbauer, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Boise State University, is leading research on the design and creation of advanced sensors that provide crucial information about the natural world. Her work has significant implications for modern agriculture and environmental monitoring, blending expertise from electrical engineering, materials science, manufacturing, and environmental science.
Dr. Baumbauer’s research group focuses on developing sensors that can be deployed in various environments. A key application is in agriculture, where sensors can provide farmers with precise data on fertilizer needs in different parts of a field. Another vital use is in monitoring chemical levels in rivers and streams, contributing to environmental protection.
“We’re excited to have Dr. Baumbauer at Boise State”, says ECE Department Chair Dr. Neal Bangerter. “Her research is poised to have a positive impact on agricultural operations, benefiting both growers and the environment.”
The potential impact of Dr. Baumbauer’s sensors on agriculture is considerable. Modern farming already heavily relies on technology, from GPS-guided tractors for precise planting and yield mapping, to drones that identify weeds and diseases, and advancements in crop breeding that link genes to characteristics such as drought resilience. Dr. Baumbauer envisions her low-cost sensors integrating with existing farm systems, enabling farmers to apply water, fertilizer, or pesticides precisely where and when needed, thereby optimizing resource use and improving crop health.
Beyond her research, Dr. Baumbauer is deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists and engineers. She actively involves student researchers in her work, offering them practical, hands-on experience, the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, and a chance to bridge diverse academic disciplines. Her interdisciplinary approach, encompassing electrical engineering, chemistry, materials science, manufacturing, and earth sciences, is a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy, which she eagerly shares with her students.
Before joining Boise State, Dr. Baumbauer conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, where she specialized in the development of electrochemical soil sensors. There, she led a multidisciplinary team in developing low-cost, wireless sensor networks designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
Dr. Baumbauer earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley in 2022, with her doctoral research focusing on printed biodegradable soil nitrate sensors for precision agriculture. She also holds an MS in EECS from UC Berkeley (2019), where she concentrated on printed passive RFID sensor tags, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Montana State University. Her academic achievements have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Berkeley Chancellor’s Fellowship and an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.