Encomium for Jeff Pressing

On April 28, 2002, the world lost one of its most vibrant and unique polymaths. At 55 years young, Dr Jeffrey Lynn Pressing passed away in his sleep, the victim of meningococcal disease. Born in San Diego in 1946, Jeff spent his formative years in the United States of America. By all accounts he was interested in just about everything, but especially in music and science. Jeff's brilliance was obvious even in his youth. In 1962 he was admitted to CalTech at a mere 15 years of age, making him the youngest student to be enrolled in a CalTech degree course to that date. Following his undergraduate degree, Jeff spent a year in Munich on a Fulbright Fellowship, where he learned to speak fluent German. Returning to the States he obtained a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of California in 1972, working under the distinguished Joseph Mayer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that, while deeply involved in his scientific studies, Jeff was constantly listening to all forms of recorded music, particularly classical, much to the annoyance of his college roommates. Despite a successful publication record in physical science, not long after gaining his Ph.D. Jeff decided to turn his attention more fully to music. In 1975 he moved to Australia, where he took up an academic position in the music department of La Trobe University, eventually becoming head of the department.