Frank Press

Date of Birth: December 4, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: January 29, 2020

Biography

Frank Press was an American geophysicist renowned for his extensive contributions to the field of earth sciences. Born on December 4, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Press had a distinguished career that spanned several decades and included significant roles in both academia and government. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1949 and quickly became a leading figure in seismology, which studies earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth. Press was a professor of geophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and served as the chairman of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. In 1977, he was appointed science advisor to President Jimmy Carter and served as the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. His leadership extended to the National Academy of Sciences, where he served as president from 1981 to 1993. Throughout his career, Press published numerous influential papers and co-authored several widely used textbooks in geophysics.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Press

1. Frank Press was a key figure in the development of the theory of plate tectonics.

2. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1970 for his contributions to the field of geophysics.

3. Press co-authored the widely used textbooks “Earth” and “Understanding Earth” with Raymond Siever.

4. He was instrumental in the establishment of the World Data Center system, which facilitates global data sharing in geophysics.

5. Press was a member of numerous prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Society of London.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Press

1. “Science is the key to our future, and if you don’t believe in science, then you’re holding everybody back.”

2. “The Earth is a complex system, and understanding its processes requires a multidisciplinary approach.”

3. “Geophysics is not just about studying the Earth; it’s about understanding the forces that shape our planet and our lives.”

4. “We must invest in science and technology to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.”

5. “Collaboration across borders and disciplines is essential for the advancement of science.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Frank Press is not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to science are invaluable.

Children

Frank Press had two children, Kenneth Press and William Press. Both have pursued successful careers, with William Press becoming a notable biologist and computer scientist.