~February~
David Kemme Ph.D.
Professor in Economics &
William N. Morris Chair of Excellence
in International Economics
University of Memphis
Professor Kemme has been a long-time member of the Board of Editors of the Atlantic Economic Journal and we are happy to be recognizing him as the Member of the Month for February. Dr. Kemme first got involved with the IAES years ago when he was a young Associate Professor when he was encourage by a colleague to become more involved and we are glad he did! His works have been widely published and have been translated in the a variety of different languages. Outside of academia he has worked as a consultant to numerous organizations and corporations including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations.
Why did you become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?
I was a young Associate Professor when Ralph Pfouts asked me to be on a session and then suggested I be more involved with the Society. I met John Virgo and shortly after was asked to be on the Editorial Board of the AEJ.
What do you find most enjoyable about your membership?:
The IAES conferences are very rewarding. The individual sessions are very good, keynote and invited speakers are great. The size of the meetings allows greater participation and interaction than the larger, national association meetings.
Have you held any notable positions within the IAES, (Officer, Board of Editiors, Program Committee, etc.) if so, when?:
I have been on the Board of Editors of the Atlantic Economic Journal for quite a long time.
What types of projects/research are you working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue that interest?:
My research interests have always focused on Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and I still love that regional emphasis. Particular topics have changed, however. Now I focus heavily on monetary policy, macroeconometric and DSGE modeling, and financial economics.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?:
I know its been said before, but find what you like and enjoy – then you won’t have to work a day in your life. That of course is sometimes easier said than done. I really believe in being patient and taking a long term view. Focus on acquiring skills that will have a long time payoff; learn theory and econometrics or a foreign language. If you want to be in academics take, teaching seriously and continuously improve in the classroom (or on-line). Don’t look back; the good old days are right now.
Favorite hobby:
Being outdoors; anything from hiking and biking to gardening or running around the yard with grandsons.