“My time studying composition with Michael Gandolfi impacted my creative process the most. I carried his words and praise throughout my creative journey…”
Major Obadiah Baker ’06 serves in the United States Army Reserves and is pursuing his doctoral degree at Drexel University in Leadership and Management. His research focus is on the effects of arts-based antiracism social-emotional learning on empathy development. He is also a Fulbright Scholar and will spend time in 2023 in Israel conducting research for his dissertation.
At NEC, Obadiah was a Jazz Studies major and pianist, with a keen interest in music composition. Obadiah shared the impact of his time at NEC, saying, “My time studying composition with Michael Gandolfi impacted my creative process the most. I carried his words and praise throughout my creative journey, across the battlefield of Afghanistan, and now as a double degree EdD doctoral student at Drexel University and Masters of Music Composition (Low-Residency Program) at the Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University.”
He participated in the ROTC program through Northeastern University and brought his varied experiences together in a unique way. He said, “My military experience while studying at NEC molded me into the disciplined and structured leader I am today, and my experience at NEC influenced my creative process, mainly my adherence to deadlines and sense of urgency.”
Obadiah founded Tender Heart Crusades, a 501c3 nonprofit that services at-risk youth through education and community service. He is also an award-winning filmmaker.
You can support students who creating unique career paths with a gift to The NEC Fund