My attitude toward graduate students was different, I must say. I used graduate students as colleagues: I gave them the best problems to work on, and I encouraged them.

The quote by Frank Press, "My attitude toward graduate students was different, I must say. I used graduate students as colleagues: I gave them the best problems to work on, and I encouraged them," highlights a respectful and empowering approach to mentorship. Press emphasizes that he viewed graduate students not merely as learners or assistants but as colleagues, recognizing their potential to contribute meaningfully to research and academic work.

By giving students the best problems to work on, Press demonstrates his confidence in their abilities and his commitment to providing them with challenging and valuable opportunities. This approach fosters intellectual growth and motivates students to develop their skills and independence, rather than assigning them only routine or less significant tasks.

The encouragement he mentions further reflects his supportive attitude, helping students to build confidence and persist through the difficulties inherent in graduate research. This nurturing mentorship style likely contributed to his students’ success and the advancement of knowledge in their fields.

This quote originates from Frank Press, a distinguished geophysicist and former science advisor to the U.S. government. His words reveal his progressive and collaborative philosophy toward education and research, emphasizing respect, challenge, and encouragement in training the next generation of scientists.