Thomas D Nelson – Collin College, Technical Campus, Welding
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
- Lone Star District: $1,000
- PMA Educational Foundation: $500
- Total: $1,500
Thomas D. “Duncan” Nelson, a scholarship recipient from the Lone Star District, has a deep passion for welding and a strong determination to build a successful career in manufacturing and engineering. As the first member of his family to pursue welding as a profession, he has embraced the skilled trades with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence. Welding is more than a career choice for Duncan; it is a passion that drives his educational goals and long-term aspirations.
Duncan is currently pursuing opportunities that will allow him to advance from skilled welder to welding engineer. His ultimate goal is to contribute to the aerospace industry, a field that has fascinated him for years. He is particularly interested in aircraft, rockets and human-made spacecraft. He hopes to one day play a role in the manufacturing, engineering and fabrication processes that support space exploration and aerospace innovation. Among his aspirations is becoming an orbital welding technician and contributing to future NASA spacecraft programs. Duncan is also interested in supporting the manufacturing of munitions and ordnance for the United States Army, combining his technical abilities with industries that have significant national importance.
Beyond manufacturing and aerospace, Duncan is a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast. At just 17 years old, he purchased his first Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his own earnings. One of his lifelong dreams is to build and fabricate custom motorcycles and choppers, combining his passion for welding with his interest in mechanical design and craftsmanship. This creative side of manufacturing further motivates him to pursue advanced technical skills and hands-on experience.
As the youngest of three siblings and the only member of his family to attend college, Duncan takes great pride in his educational accomplishments. Despite facing significant personal challenges, he completed his first semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He considers academic excellence an important part of achieving his goals and remains committed to maintaining high standards throughout his educational journey. Another achievement he is particularly proud of is becoming a recipient of a scholarship from the Ray H. Marr Foundation, recognition that affirmed his hard work and potential.
Duncan has built an impressive work history from a young age. He began working at age 16 as an oil change technician at Take 5 Oil Change. After several months, he accepted a position as a Parts Specialist with O’Reilly Auto Parts, where he developed knowledge of automotive systems and customer service. While continuing his employment there, he also worked at Candor Motors, a restoration shop focused on rebuilding classic 1975-1985 Chevrolet C10 trucks. This experience allowed him to further develop mechanical skills and gain valuable hands-on experience in automotive restoration.
After two years with O’Reilly Auto Parts, Duncan began working as a package handler for UPS. Shortly afterward, he faced one of the most difficult challenges of his life when he underwent two lower back surgeries involving his L5-S1 spinal region in 2024. The surgeries and recovery process brought significant physical, emotional and financial challenges for both Duncan and his family. Despite these obstacles, he remained committed to his educational and career goals. His perseverance through daily pain and ongoing recovery reflects a level of resilience and determination that has become one of his defining characteristics.
Rather than allowing adversity to limit his ambitions, Duncan has continued pushing forward in pursuit of his goals. He remains dedicated to obtaining the best education possible, developing his welding expertise and becoming the best version of himself both personally and professionally. His commitment to hard work, academic achievement and continuous improvement demonstrates the qualities necessary for long-term success in manufacturing and engineering.
Duncan’s passion for welding, dedication to education and ability to overcome significant challenges make him an outstanding representative of the next generation of manufacturing professionals. His determination to pursue a meaningful career while persevering through adversity reflects exceptional character and tremendous potential.
The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) proudly congratulates Duncan Nelson on being selected as a scholarship recipient. His resilience, academic achievement and unwavering commitment to a future in welding and engineering make him highly deserved of this recognition. PMAEF wishes Duncan continued success in his education and future contributions to the aerospace and manufacturing industries.