Douglas Nelson honored with emeritus status

14 Apr 2023

Doug Nelson — Douglas Nelson. Photo by Alex Parrish for Virginia Tech.

Douglas Nelson, a professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1986, Nelson made significant contributions in the engineering and interdisciplinary aspects of the thermal, electrical, and mechanical technologies of advanced vehicle systems, guiding and leading large teams of Virginia Tech students to national competitions held by the U.S. Department of Energy. His scholarship includes 32 peer-reviewed journal papers and 108 peer-reviewed conference papers.

Nelson taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across the mechanical engineering curriculum. He has advised 55 students on master’s degree theses and seven students on Ph.D. dissertations and helped them develop successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.

Nelson has been the faculty advisor to the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team of Virginia Tech since 1994. In 1998, 2005, 2009, and again in 2013, Nelson received the National Science Foundation Outstanding Long-Term Faculty Advisor Award.

Nelson received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Virginia Tech and Ph.D. from Arizona State University.

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