Harold Nelson's academic experience includes service at: Wichita State University (1961-1962, 1965-1967), Arizona State University (1962-1965, 1967-1991, 1998-present), and Texas Christian University (TCU), 1991 to 1998. While at ASU, he served as the vice chair of the Department of Engineering Sciences and as vice chair of Graduate Affairs of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. At TCU, he was the founding chair of the Department of Engineering. His industrial experience includes extensive work at the Eastman Kodak Company, Boeing Aircraft Company and Honeywell Engines. He was a visiting professor at The Ohio State University, the Technical University of Denmark, the University of New South Wales (Australia), and National Cheng Kung University (Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Tainan, Taiwan). He has given guest lectures at several universities within the United States, Germany, England, Scotland, Taiwan, China, South Korea and Australia. He served as an associate editor of the ASME Journal of Vibration and Acoustics and the ASME Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, and as editor of the ASME Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power. He is an ASME Fellow and is professionally licensed in Arizona and Texas (retired).
- Ph.D. Engineering Sciences, Arizona State University 1966
- M.S. Applied Mechanics, Kansas State University 1961
- B.S. General Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 1958
- Nelson,Harold Duane*. GEARED ROTOR SYSTEM DYNAMICS. GARRETT TURBINE INDUSTRIES(3/1/1990 - 12/21/1990).
- Nelson,Harold Duane*. ACTIVE CONTROL OF LATERAL SHAFT VIBRATIONS. NASA(12/31/1984 - 9/30/1989).