Citation by Berry H. (Nick) Tew
Dr. David R. Wunsch has made exceptional contributions to the geosciences over his very productive professional career, which began in earnest at the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) in 1985. At KGS, he served as the Coordinator of the Coal-Field Hydrology Program, while also working toward his PhD, which he received from the University of Kentucky in 1992. In 1998, he was granted a leave of absence from KGS to serve as the AGI Congressional Fellow on Capitol Hill. In this role, he was a voice in Congress for the geosciences and drafted legislation, speeches, and statements for the Committee Chairman related to mineral and resources issues, staffed congressional hearings, prepared witnesses, briefed members of Congress, performed field investigations.
In 2000, Dave was appointed the State Geologist and Director of the New Hampshire Geological Survey, where he very successfully navigated state government to have the Survey codified in statute and to expand its role as an integral state agency serving the citizens on NH and beyond. During his time in NH, he also served as a visiting scholar at Dartmouth University and an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire. Dave was state geologist when NH’s famous Old Man of the Mountain collapsed and was designated to be one of the lead officials in the state to deal with both local and national media outlets, as well as the public regarding the loss of NH’s iconic state symbol. He served on a task force assembled to address and advise the governor after the tragedy. In recognition of these efforts, he was awarded AGI’s Award for Public Understanding in the Geosciences.
In 2010, Dr. Wunsch accepted the position of Director of Science and Technology for the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). At NGWA, he was responsible for assuring the scientific and technical accuracy of information disseminated by the organization and served as the scientific liaison between NGWA and government agencies, international organizations, and related non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Further, he contributed to the development of NGWA’s science and technology program and disseminated results.
In 2011, Dave was appointed the State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS), the position he presently holds. At DGS, Dave supervises geologists and staff conducting research programs and data collection related to the state’s geology, water, and natural resources. He represents DGS on various state and federal advisory committees and serves as the Governor’s representative and Principal to the Advisory Committee to the Delaware River Master. He holds a joint appointment with the University of Delaware Department of Earth Sciences.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wunsch has made numerous contributions to geoscientific research and publication. He is author or co-author of 24 peer-reviewed professional papers, reports, and journal articles and 55 abstracts. In addition, he served the geosciences through numerous news articles, columns, and non-technical publications to provide information to the general public. He has been cited in numerous news articles and has had a number of television and radio interviews. He has given scores of professional presentations and lectures and has participated in a number of seminars and short courses.
Dr. Wunsch was a founding member of the federal Advisory Committee on Water Information Subcommittee on Groundwater, which led the effort to establish a national groundwater monitoring network (NGWMN). He was a co-author of the framework document for the design of the national network, and the terms of reference for the advisory board and oversight committee. He testified twice before the U.S. Senate in support of the SECURE Water Act, which established the NGWMN, and he also worked to garner the support of leaders in state government, academia, and industry. The SECURE Water Act was signed into law, and the NGWMN is now a successful cooperative program funded by U.S. Geological Survey that supports state groundwater monitoring networks’ participation and integration in the national network.
Dr. David R. Wunsch has provided outstanding leadership, exemplary service, and inspired vision at the state and national levels as State Geologist of Delaware and New Hampshire, as a Congressional Science Fellow, as president of AGI and AASG, and in many other important geoscientific roles. He has been generous with his time and talent in leadership roles with these and other geoscience organizations, and he has served on numerous boards, committees, workgroups and activities, freely sharing his expertise, knowledge, and keen insights. David is well known for his professionalism and communication skills, as well as his outgoing, friendly demeanor.
David’s contributions to the geosciences have been recognized by several awards and other honors, including the AIPG Outstanding Kentucky Geologist Award (1999), election as a GSA Fellow (2011), the AASG Presidential Award for Outstanding Service (2011), the AGI Award for Public Understanding of the Geosciences (2014), the GSA/AASG John C. Frye Memorial Award in Environmental Geology (2019), and the Henry P. Caulfield, Jr. Medal from the American Water Resources Association for exemplary contributions to national water policy (2024).
Dr. Ian Campbell was known for his candor and integrity, in addition to many other characteristics of a true leader. Having known David for over two decades as a good friend and trusted colleague, I can vouch for these same qualities in him. David perfectly exemplifies the outstanding service to the geosciences for which Ian Campbell was known, with significant contributions as a scientist, educator, administrator, and public servant. He is a most deserving recipient of the 2024 American Geosciences Institute Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.
Response by David R. Wunsch
I would like to thank my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Nick Tew, for his kind and generous citation. It is truly an honor to receive the AGI medal in memory of Ian Campbell. Dr. Campbell was a geoscience leader who had an eclectic approach to service by having been a scientist, educator, administrator, and a public servant during his storied career. I have known several previous Campbell Medal awardees, including several who were mentors to me early in my career, and it’s such an honor to be included in this esteemed list of geoscientists. I would like to thank all my staff, friends, and colleagues in science who have supported me throughout my career. Surrounding yourself with talented people is truly the key to success! In closing, I would like to acknowledge my two children that are here with me today: Brandon and Madison Wunsch. I love you both. And as a first-generation college student, I would like to acknowledge my parents, Bob and Marie, for their love and support, and encouraging me to attend college. It changed my life. Thank you.