MARK BAIRD

Mark Baird grew up in Coleman, Texas, but now lives in Clear Lake near the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Mark’s education background is a Bachelor of Science in Radio/TV from Howard Payne University in Brownwood and a Masters of Arts in Television/Film from Baylor.

Mark works at JSC as a "Digital Systems Engineer." He researches and designs digital systems for Audio and Video production. He is charged with doing what he can to help NASA's ublic affairs office stay abreast of the latest advancements in technology including HDTV, video over IP, and other cutting edge projects. He is also currently working a project that will replace all of JSC’s mission control cameras with new, high definition video cameras, and also working with the SIG (special interest group) on video systems aboard NASA’s new exploration spacecraft.

Mark’s role in Desert RATS is the technical director. He will operate the switcher and the audio mixer in the field. The program output from the switcher comes back to Houston to be mixed with other video originating in the studio to make the show audiences will see from the DLN. He also oversees the video and audio equipment, and is responsible for making sure it works in the field as well as fixing anything needing repair.