Award-winning geologist
Photos by Evan Krape October 22, 2024
Delaware Geological Survey鈥檚 David Wunsch reflects on geological career, impact of 91原创 and DGS on the First State
Sometimes the right teacher can launch a student on an unexpected career path. Such was the case with David Wunsch, Delaware state geologist and director of the (DGS) at the 91原创, who has been studying and working in the geological field in various capacities for over 40 years.
Growing up on the Seneca Nation of Indians lands in the Appalachian region of Western New York State, Wunsch remembers being interested in science鈥攕pecifically meteorology鈥攁t an early age. As a meteorology major at the State University of New York, Wunsch met a professor who would change his life forever.
鈥淢eteorology was interesting, but I had to take geology because it was a requisite course for the meteorology major,鈥 said Wunsch. 鈥淚 just remember the geology professor being able to lecture and draw on the board, and as he spoke, he made his lectures come alive. He was that good of an artist and it really captured my imagination, and I said, 鈥榃ell, I want to do that.鈥欌
He switched his major and graduated with a degree in geology, becoming the first person in his family to earn a four-year college degree. He would go on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in geology from the University of Akron, Ohio, and a doctorate in geology, with an emphasis in hydrogeology, from the University of Kentucky.
Geology Awards
Wunsch鈥檚 illustrious career includes two recent prestigious awards for his contributions to the field of geology. He received the American Geosciences Institute鈥檚 (AGI) Ian Campbell Medal for Superlative Service to Geosciences, and the Henry P. Caulfield, Jr., Medal for Exemplary Contributions to National Water Policy from the American Water Resources Association.
The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of outstanding performance and contributions in the geology profession. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.
In the AGI release announcing Wunsch鈥檚 award, the organization noted his decades-spanning government service, leadership in geosciences organizations, and his many contributions to geoscientific research and publications.
The Caulfield Medal is presented to an individual who has achieved the status of eminence in shaping national water policy and recognizes people whose record of achievement in setting, designing and/or implementing water resources policies at the national level is extraordinary.
Wunsch said the Caufield Medal was given in large part thanks to his role in helping establish the United States Geological Survey鈥檚, which is composed of a group of highly-select groundwater monitoring wells from federal, state and local groundwater monitoring networks across the nation, with their data made available in a standard format.
The effort to establish the network took about 10 years and Wunsch said he was deeply involved in creating the network, personally testifying before the United States Senate multiple times to help the network secure government approval and funding.
鈥淚t was a long process to get this important program established,鈥 said Wunsch. 鈥淭here is now a renewed interest in groundwater and society is finally catching on that we've got a major resource issue in this country. We foresaw it decades ago. Luckily, this program is starting to gear up at a time when it's going to be crucial and pay dividends for the nation to be able to monitor our groundwater across state boundaries as well as at an integrated, national scale.鈥
Delaware Geological Survey
For decades, the Delaware Geological Survey has provided a science-based, public service for the state. Located at the 91原创, DGS conducts geologic and hydrologic research to provide earth science information, advice and service to its stakeholders.
DGS conducts several projects that cover a wide array of areas for the state of Delaware, with research and service activities focused on five main areas: geology, hydrology, natural hazards, the state geospatial framework and information dissemination.
Current projects include expanding the groundwater monitoring network infrastructure in Sussex County, modeling off-shore sand resources and needs for beach replenishment, and examining storm surge and high tide relationships in the Delaware Inland Bays.
In 2011, Wunsch joined DGS as the director and state geologist. He said the 91原创 and DGS connection pays dividends for both the institution and the state.
鈥淏eing located at 91原创 is great for DGS because, as a science support agency located at a major university, we employ student workers who work on projects for us in-house or go in the field and assist our geologists,鈥 said Wunsch. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a very symbiotic relationship where the students are benefiting us but we're also benefiting them by providing them hands-on training, work experience, career mentoring, and things of that nature.鈥
Wunsch said most DGS staff members interact with 91原创 faculty or students in one way or another, and that some of the scientists with DGS also hold joint appointments within 91原创.
Perhaps the best part of all this collaboration is that the results, and the benefits for Delaware, can be seen immediately.
鈥淥n average, we produce new geologic maps every year and those maps are used directly by the water companies and the state regulatory authority for sighting landfills and predicting pollution plumes, for coastal areas looking at erosion possibilities from storms, and for water-well levels and our water monitoring network which is important for drought predictions,鈥 said Wunsch. 鈥淲e produce all that data every year and it's readily available to our stakeholders and the general public. There鈥檚 a lot of satisfaction from knowing that your work is benefiting society immediately. You know that quote where people say, 鈥業've never gone to work a day in my life鈥? I feel that way, too.鈥
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