David Elms has a long connection with the University of Canterbury where he made a significant and lasting contribution over a number of years.
David was born in London and completed a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He then worked in structural dynamics at the De Havilland Aircraft Company.
David received a scholarship to undertake a Master’s degree in geomechanics at Princeton University in the States. He then went on to complete a PhD on the behaviour of shell structures, also at Princeton.
In 1964 David took the role of lecturer in civil engineering at the University of Canterbury. He stayed with the university throughout his career, becoming a professor and establishing the Systems Engineering programme. He served as Dean for the School of Engineering and took a lead in the establishment of the Centre of Advanced Engineering.
David also undertook consultancy work including for the Ministry of Works, and Government projects such as the New Zealand Royal Prime Minister’s Committee investigating the safety of nuclear-powered ships.
Access
This interview is held at the Alexander Turnbull Library. Contact the library for more information.
Date of Interview: 2020
