By AIT Public Affairs
30 October 2023 – Dr. John D. Nelson, former Vice Chairman of the AIT Board of Trustees and Principal Engineer of Engineering Analytics, Inc., USA, gives additional support towards upgrading the Geotechnical Engineering (GTE) Laboratory at the Geotechnical & Earth Resources Engineering, School of Engineering & Technology. The AIT student’s quality research output depends on having good laboratory facilities. With this additional donation, the GTE students will continue to benefit in conducting their research using more efficient laboratory equipment for a higher quality research output.
President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto expressed his appreciation and sincere thanks to Dr. John D. and Darlene M. Nelson for their continued support of the Institute.
On behalf of the School of Engineering and Technology, Dean Prof. Sangam Shrestha sincerely thanked Dr. John D. and Darlene M. Nelson for their unwavering support. “Your invaluable contribution in establishing essential engineering equipment has not gone unnoticed, and your steadfast appreciation and dedication to our work have been a true source of inspiration. We eagerly anticipate the possibility of forging similar partnerships,” he added.
Dr. Kuo Chieh Chao, Head of the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. John D. and Darlene M. Nelson for their substantial support to the department and the dual degree program. Their relationship dates back to 1993 when Professor Nelson was Dr Chao’s advisor during his master’s degree, providing vital encouragement and support. Dr Chao appreciated Professor Nelson’s pivotal role in his career and the continued support for AIT. He also pledged to carry forward Professor Nelson’s legacy in the field.
Professor Nelson reflected on his AIT experience, considering AIT as a second home to his family. He detailed the diverse paths that brought panel members into geotechnical engineering. He shared his journey, commencing with a Ph.D. opportunity and employment at AIT in Thailand. Despite initial skepticism, he emphasized the wise choice of joining AIT and underscored the importance of giving back to educational institutions, mainly supporting Colorado State University (CSU) and geotechnical students. He also mentioned his collaboration on expansive soil research and contributions to a foundation. He briefly noted his family’s incredible experience in Thailand and expressed his delight in continuing to support AIT.
