Gavin Nelson

Background

About Gavin Nelson

I am a Master’s student in Structural Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines (M.S. May 2026) with a B.S. in Civil Engineering (May 2025, GPA 3.99). My technical design training has given me a broad range of structural proficiencies including steel, concrete, timber, and masonry design; seismic and wind load analysis; and structural modeling, detailing, and connection design. This combination of theory, software expertise, practical design opportunities, and hands-on application positions me to contribute immediately to complex structural projects. My hands-on project experience includes leading design and construction efforts for the Timber Strong Design-Build Competition, where my team earned 1st Place, Best in Show, and Best BIM at the Rocky Mountain Symposium before competing nationally at Cal Poly SLO. That project pushed me to apply seismic, wind, and structural load design in a full design-build setting, completing a more well-rounded understanding of structural systems and constructability in design. Besides academically rigorous coursework and unique applications in design competitions, I’ve gained practical experience through internships with DJ & A and CDOT, working on a wide splay of projects and in a breadth of teams in land surveying, water transmission and distribution, and structural engineering. From connection design on an architectural bridge system to drafting deliverables for water distribution projects and conducting topographic surveys, I’ve learned to navigate the entire workflow of civil and structural projects while working closely with project leads, contractors, and interdisciplinary teams. As President of the Structural Engineering Institute Graduate Student Chapter at Colorado School of Mines, I actively connect students with local industry partners and societies through events and outreach, building the professional networks that support success in our field. With my FE exam complete and a clear path toward PE licensure, I am excited to bring nuanced technical skill, unique project experience, a collaborative mindset, and passion for the field into structural engineering challenges that demand both precision and creativity.