Angelika charts life of no average Joe
A CHANCE meeting between Eden resident Angelika Erpic and the late Professor Joe Baker will bring to light some of Townsville’s history in a new book.
In 2014, Ms Erpic offered Prof Baker a lift between Merimbula and Eden on the NSW South Coast, when the first- time biographer heard some of the fascinating insights into one of Townsville’s first university founding members.
Four years later and after more than 90 interviews, Ms Erpic finished Joe Baker: A Life Rich with Science, Sustainability, Respect and Rugby League.
She said Prof Baker had a “passion” for science and she wanted to ask him some questions.
But what hooked her into telling his story was how Prof Baker met his wife, Val, at a young age, which ultimately got him interested in marine science.
“He learned to fish because ( Val) really loved it,” Ms Erpic said.
“One of ( Prof Baker’s) characteristics was he was very determined.”
Ms Erpic said fishing helped woo Mrs Baker and then spurred Prof Baker’s interest in marine life.
After starting his academic career in the Chemistry Department at the University of Queensland in 1956, Prof Baker moved north in 1961, where he took up a lectureship at the University College of Townsville.
He finished his PhD in 1966 and was promoted to associate professor of chemistry when the University College became James Cook University in 1970.
Prof Baker stayed in Townsville until 1973, when he relocated to Sydney, but returned in 1981 and served as director of the Sir George Fisher Centre for Tropical Marine Studies until 1985, when he was appointed director of the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
Ms Erpic said there was more to Prof Baker than his studies.
“He was an academic rugby league player, which was unusual,” she said.
Joe Baker: A Life Rich with Science, Sustainability, Respect and Rugby League will be launched at James Cook University tomorrow at 5pm.
To book, email erpicbook@gmail.com.