Her research focused on the contamination of aquifers by landfill sites.
Her research paper on the subject in the journal Groundwater was designated a benchmark in its field by the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.
Baedecker played a crucial role in establishing the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program at USGS.
She retired from the USGS in 2004 but continues to work as a scientist emeritus there.
[1] In 2002, she received Distinguished Service Awards from the American Department of the Interior and from the Geological Society of America.