Staff profile featured in the in February 2024 issue of the department’s equity, diversity, and inclusion newsletter. 

Tell us about yourself including your nationality, ethnicity, and culture.

I am a 4th generation Japanese American, half Japanese and half White. I was born in Portland, and grew up in Washington. I celebrate a few Japanese holidays or festivals here and there, such as Japanese New Year and Obon/Bon Odori. I still follow some yearly Japanese traditions such as doing a deep cleaning of the house before the new year called Oosouji (“Big Cleaning”), so you begin the new year fresh, and then having a bowl of Toshikoshi Soba to bring in the new year. I went to college at Western Washington University, got Bachelors of Science in Geology, and managed a brewery & restaurant for a few years afterwards.

How did you come to be associated with the UW Department of Biostatistics?

A friend recommended I apply to IT positions at UW on the UW Jobs site and so I applied to Biostatistics.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to know about you?  

In college I did a fair bit of glassblowing. I was great at making bowls, and great at making lumpy cups. I’m also pretty good at accents and impressions, I would have enjoyed improv or theater if I didn’t dislike being the center of attention.

What motivates you?

Improving is a great motivator for me, whether it's learning new methods on the job, training for more certificates, or working out hard at the gym after work. Small but steady incremental improvement is very satisfying. I probably got this love from playing RPGs and D&D throughout my life, leveling up and working hard to increase your stats.

Who/what has inspired you the most and why?

My parents inspired me the most, they have always had my back and helped me push forward to do what I’ve been passionate about and strive for success.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Bright, mellow, and goofy.

Read more about Thomas Nelson