He went to the University of Michigan for graduate study in physics, earning a Ph.D. in physics in 1918. He studied under Harrison McAllister Randall. His work as a graduate student to measure the rotational-vibrational spectra of diatomic molecules gained recognition from the scientific community. Imes was the second African American to receive a Ph.D. in physics since Edward Bouchet did so from Yale University in 1876; Imes was the first African American in the 20th century to gain this degree.