Daniel Baker

Daniel Baker

50 · Born: Oct 18, 1974

Personal Details

BornOct 18, 1974 Hastings, Sussex, England, UK

Biography

Daniel, a remarkable individual, came into the world on October 18, 1974, in the charming coastal town of Hastings, East Sussex, United Kingdom.

He has been living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive genetic disorder that affects his muscles, since birth.

As he embarked on his academic odyssey, he first set foot in the esteemed St. Paul's Church of England primary school, where the foundations of his educational journey were laid. His subsequent educational sojourn took him to The Grove Secondary school, where he further honed his academic skills and knowledge.

Following the culmination of his secondary education, Daniel embarked upon a higher educational journey, electing to enroll at Oxford Brookes University, where he went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree, with honours, in the field of Applied Physics.

Throughout his time at university, Daniel had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Nick Gazey, a renowned expert affiliated with the prestigious Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, on a research project of great significance, aptly titled "The Northern lights as monitors of magnetic sub-storm dynamics".

Daniel's journey after university was marked by a period of self-reflection and focus on his personal health, which ultimately led to his discovery of NASA World Wind, an open-source virtual globe that would change the trajectory of his life. As he delved deeper into the community, Daniel became a prolific and dedicated member, taking on various responsibilities that showcased his exceptional organizational and technical skills.

He began by serving as a moderator on the NASA World Wind forums, where he worked tirelessly to ensure that the online discussions remained productive and informative. Simultaneously, Daniel maintained the World Wind Central hotspots site and knowledge base, providing a valuable resource for users seeking to maximize their experience with the virtual globe.

In addition to his moderating and administrative duties, Daniel made small but significant code contributions to the project, demonstrating his proficiency in programming and software development. His work in this capacity not only enhanced the functionality of NASA World Wind but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the developers and users.

As his involvement with the project grew, Daniel took on an increasingly prominent role, participating in alpha and beta testing to ensure that the software was thoroughly vetted and ready for release. His dedication and expertise earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he soon found himself at the forefront of the project's development.

Daniel's contributions did not stop there. He created add-ons for the program, expanding its capabilities and versatility, and eventually assumed the role of Open Source Project Manager. In this capacity, he worked closely with NASA, developers, and companies like Microsoft, leveraging his exceptional leadership skills to guide the project's growth and evolution.

Moreover, Daniel's commitment to the NASA World Wind community extended beyond his work as a project manager. He served as a director of the Free Earth Foundation, a non-profit organization that collaborated with NASA and other stakeholders to promote the development and dissemination of open-source geospatial technologies.

Today, the World Wind Forum, a vital hub of activity for the NASA World Wind community, is still hosted on behalf of NASA by the Free Earth Foundation, a testament to Daniel's enduring dedication to the project and its mission. Throughout his journey, Daniel's passion for NASA World Wind and his remarkable skills have made a lasting impact on the community, inspiring countless others to join him in his pursuit of innovative and groundbreaking geospatial technologies.

Daniel has expanded his creative endeavors into the realm of documentary filmmaking, showcasing his versatility and artistic range by crafting computer-generated video clips for various projects. Notably, his work was featured in two notable documentaries, "A Global Warning?" and "Hooked on the Fly", which garnered significant attention and airtime on The History Channel, a prominent global television network.

In addition to his documentary work, Daniel has also become an integral part of his local community by taking on a leadership role as a trustee for the esteemed charity, DROP - Disabled Responsible Organised People. This organization is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to take an active role in their lives and communities, and Daniel's involvement has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the lives of those he has worked with.

When Daniel is not engaged in his professional pursuits, he has a deep-seated passion for capturing life's precious moments through the lens of a camera, indulging in the creative outlet of amateur photography.

Daniel embarked upon a captivating journey within the realm of acting, commencing with a humble yet significant role as an extra in the BBC/Netflix production of the supernatural drama, Requiem, marking the inception of his illustrious career in the entertainment industry.

Daniel embarked on a new professional endeavor in the year 2017, assuming the position of trustee for the esteemed charity organization known as DMD Pathfinders, a venture that would undoubtedly allow him to utilize his skills and expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of others.