John Nelson

John Nelson serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Engineering, with additional affiliations in the Construction Engineering and Management Program and Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. His academic work bridges engineering practice and environmental sustainability.

His research focuses on sustainability in buildings and lean project delivery methodologies, particularly examining the intersection of climate and energy systems, human transactions with nature through sustainable infrastructure, and tensions between geometric and living order in project management. Collaborating with Professor Awad Hanna, he publishes on lean construction practices while teaching specialized courses including Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Change (CEE 629 & 525) and Construction Engineering Management (CEE 498).

Nelson maintains active industry engagement as Chief Technical Officer for Fitzgerald Asset Management, bringing practical financial services expertise to his academic work. His teaching portfolio spans the College of Engineering, School of Business, and Nelson Institute, covering technical project management for the Masters of Engineering Management Online Program and global AEC design instruction at Stanford University.

• Graduate student advising and thesis committee participation
• Mentorship in cross-disciplinary environmental and engineering education
• Development of sustainability-focused curriculum across multiple institutions

His background includes extensive industry leadership as Project Engineer, Department Head, Project Manager, Vice President, and CEO at Affiliated Engineers, with specialized experience in dynamic building systems design and applications.