Irving T. Diamond, Duke Psychology Professor Emeritus, Dies at 81
A memorial service is scheduled Sunday, Sept. 19, at York Chapel in Duke Divinity School.
Irving T. Diamond, a retired James B. Duke Professor of Psychology at Duke University and a leading researcher in human and animal sensory systems, died Tuesday at his Durham home. He was 81.
Diamond, born Sept. 17, 1922, in Chicago, received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Chicago. After serving from 1943 to 1946 in the U.S. Army, Diamond joined the University of Chicago faculty and taught there for a decade before coming to Duke in 1958. He retired in 1992.
The author or co-author of more than 100 scientific papers, including chapters in 11 books, Diamond focused his research on the evolution of the primate brain and the structure and function of the neocortex.
Diamond's teaching methods included requiring students to analyze the original texts of great pioneers in the fields of evolution, genetics, embryology, neurophysiology and experimental psychology. Many of his graduate students have been recognized for their contributions to neurobiology.
Named to the National Academy of Sciences in 1982, Diamond also directed the neurobiology program at Duke and was a professor of physiology. A member of the Society of Experimental Psychology, he received the distinguished scientific contribution award from the American Psychological Association for having "made a unique contribution, and one that has changed the direction of his field."
A memorial service is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at York Chapel in Duke Divinity School.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Va. 22038-1131.