David G. Elmes

David G. Elmes (1942-2018) was Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Washington and Lee University, where he taught for 40 years until retiring in 2007. He earned his B.A. (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), M.A., and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Virginia.

His research examined cognitive processes in learning and memory, with later work focusing on olfactory imagery and attributions of memory failure. Elmes published extensively with undergraduate collaborators and co-authored influential textbooks including Experimental Psychology: Understanding Psychological Research and Research Methods in Psychology.

Professional honors include:

• Fellowship in the American Psychological Society
• Fellowship in the Virginia Academy of Science (served as president)
• Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi honor societies

He directed W&L's Psychology Department (1990-2000) and Cognitive Science Program (1984-2000). Post-retirement, he taught as an adjunct for three additional years. The university established the David G. Elmes Pathfinder Prize in Psychology and the Elmes, John and Winfrey Term Professorship in his honor.