Bridging Engineering and Culture: A Profile on Thomas Vollum Jr.

Editor’s Note: Originally published in 2015 as part of a feature series, this Q&A is republished as a portfolio piece highlighting end-to-end interviewing, narrative positioning, and long-form editorial execution.


Thomas Vollum Jr. was the final cast member from King of the Nerds Season 3 that I had the pleasure of profiling. Known on the show for his passion for the Brony fandom, Thomas brought a unique perspective on community, engineering, and stepping outside one's comfort zone...


Everyone on the show considers themselves a nerd. When did you first identify with being a nerd?


I started calling myself a nerd around grade school. I always loved sci-fi video games and books, and I enjoyed them every chance I got! All through my life, I have been a huge reader of Star Wars novels and played PC games like Star Wars Galaxies. It was just a core part of who I was growing up.


What interested you about TBS’s King of the Nerds, and how were you cast?


My path to the show was pretty unique. I had never heard of the show or seen a single episode before applying. I was attending the Long Beach Comic Expo in my Fallout vault suit cosplay, and one of the casting talent recruiters at a booth saw my outfit and struck up a conversation.  We were chatting, and he asked me to fill out an application. It sounded like a fun, novel experience, though I never expected anything to come from it. A few days later, I got a call asking for an audition video, followed by Skype interviews, and soon enough, I was shipped off to Nerdvana!


Why did you want to participate in the show?


I wanted to step out of my comfort zone—a place a lot of people, nerdy or otherwise, tend to stay in—and try a new experience to grow as a person. It definitely worked; I came away 100% more outgoing and confident.

What was your favorite moment from the experience?


First and foremost, meeting all these incredible people who I now call genuine friends. And if you want a fun pop-culture moment: having legendary voice actress Tara Strong as a guest judge was amazing!


Who was your favorite person to work with on the show?


On my team, the person I bonded with most was Todd. We worked really well together, and he's an awesome friend. On the opposing team, I helped Ori prep for his nerd-off challenge because I saw a lot of myself in him—an awkward, honorable, friendly guy. I also looked up to Colby as a mentor. I respected his cool demeanor, and he was a huge help in prepping me for my own nerd-off.


Are you still in contact with your fellow contestants?


I'm still in contact with everyone and hang out with them when I can, though we are spread out across the country. I spent Comic-Con with a bunch of the cast and had Amanda and her family over for the Fourth of July!


If you could compete again, would you change your approach?


I wouldn't change who I am as a person, but I would approach the challenges with much more confidence rather than being as quiet or awkward. That shift alone would have carried me much further in the game.


A "Brony" is a male fan of My Little Pony. How did you get introduced to that community?


Two of my friends were fans first, and they introduced me to the animated series while hanging out. I got hooked instantly. The writing and humor reminded me of the quality cartoons I grew up with, like The Powerpuff Girls.


Who were your primary role models growing up?


A big role model for me when I was young was my cousin Robert. He was one of the smartest guys I knew—a physicist, gamer, and martial artist. He's one of the main reasons I got heavily into gaming.


Can you share something unique about your background that people might not know?


Here's an unusual memory: I happened to be on a Disney Cruise ship in international waters on September 11, 2001. Experiencing that historical moment from that location at a young age was very surreal.


Where are you attending school, and what is your area of study?


I am attending Cal State Fullerton, pursuing my degree in Civil Engineering.


What is notable about your hometown of Huntington Beach, California?


Huntington Beach hosts the US Open of Surfing every year, and every Fourth of July we host the largest parade west of the Mississippi!


At age 21 during filming, you were one of the youngest cast members. Did that make connecting with others challenging?


Age didn't matter much on the show because everyone connected over shared passions. I bonded easily with Ori, who was close to my age, as well as Colby, who was one of the oldest contestants.


What are your go-to video games and media right now?


I love PC titles like Garry's Mod, H1Z1, Heroes of the Storm, StarCraft II, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, alongside console shooters like Battlefield and Halo. On TV, I'm big into The Walking Dead, Star Wars Rebels, and Steven Universe.


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