During his years at Boston College, Nelson has been actively engaged in campus research, extracurricular, and volunteer activities, including working as a research assistant in the Self, Health, Identity, and Culture Lab in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department, serving as president of the Psychology Mentorship Club, AXON, and as a student mentor and president of the Photography Club in the BC Art, Art History, and Film Department.
Outside of Boston College, he has volunteered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services detention unit in Dorchester, where he tutors incarcerated youth. He is also a certified EMT who works part-time for Brewster Ambulance, and a competitive runner who is training for the Chicago Marathon in October.
“Dave is an immensely capable, deeply focused student with a fierce commitment to social justice and public service,” said Andrea Heberlein, distinguished senior lecturer and director of undergraduate studies in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department.
“He is committed to improving the lives of people in every community he is a part of writ large and small. I cannot think of a more deserving student.”
Added Mathematics Associate Professor of the Practice Ellen Goldstein, “Dave’s leadership and initiative displayed in my class are indicative of his character. He is determined to be on the cutting edge of supporting people in need, particularly focusing on suicide prevention and access to mental health resources for traditionally underserved communities. He is the best type of leader: one who also inspires and supports others to achieve as much as he does. He thoroughly deserves this honor.”
Nelson becomes the 23rd BC student to win a Truman Scholarship. Upon graduating next year, he hopes to participate in the Truman Foundation’s Washington Summer Institute and work in the United States Department of Health and Human Services to advance its National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, before continuing his graduate studies.
“Everyone at BC has been here for me since I arrived in 2023,” said Nelson. “I am so grateful to have been surrounded by such caring and supportive people and faculty mentors. There is something very special about Boston College. Here we are taught to use our gifts to serve others, and that is what I want to do with my career. It was a perfect match for me.”
