Elmer Imes

Elmer Imes was an African American physicist who overcame discrimination to make important contributions to science. Born on 12 October 1883, he studied physics at Fisk University and later at the University of Michigan, where he worked with Harrison McAllister Randall on the absorption spectra of di-atomic molecules. 

Imes also participated in the Harlem Renaissance in New York, a cultural movement celebrating Black achievements, and met his future wife there. After his marriage ended, he returned to Fisk University, where he taught and inspired students until his death on 11 September 1941. 

 

The scientist

• Elmer ImesWikipedia
• The life and work of Elmer Samuel Imes Physics Today | AIP Publishing     
• Elmer Imes, pioneering African American Physicist MichiganPhysics   
• Elmer Imes, Physicist born African American Registry  

The science

Introduction to spectral lines: Physics LibreTexts  

The illustration

Drawn by Nuriya Nurgalieva: Website