ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Recognizing his exceptional contributions to the profession of geology, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is thrilled to honor Dr. David R. Wunsch, State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, as the 2024 recipient of the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.

 

Dr. Wunsch's service in government has spanned agencies and decades. From 2011 to the present, he has served as the State Geologist of Delaware, supervising geologists and staff conducting research and data collection on the state's geology, water, and natural resources. He holds a joint appointment with the University of Delaware Department of Earth Sciences. He served as the Director of Science & Technology for the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) in 2011. From 2000 to 2010, he was the State Geologist of New Hampshire, where he saw the survey codified in statute with an expanded role as an integral state agency. In 2016, Dr. Wunsch served as a special consultant for the U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Water Partnership, to participate in a forum on water issues in Southeast Asia. At the Kentucky Geological Survey, beginning in 1982, he served as the Coordinator of the Coal-Field Hydrology Program, where he led innovative projects to characterize and protect water resources in mined areas.

 

Providing leadership to geoscience societies, Dr. Wunsch served as AGI President (2021-2022) and AGI Executive Committee Secretary (2002-2004). He currently chairs AGI's Critical Needs Document 2024 Committee. He also has held leadership positions with societies including the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) (Division Director 2002-2005), the Association of American State Geologists (President 2009-2010). As AGI's first Congressional Science Fellow (1998-1999), he advised the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy & Minerals. Dr. Wunsch has served on National Academy of Science committees, UNESCO Hydrological Programme Committee, and federal advisory committees for the U.S. Geological Survey.

 

Throughout his career, Dr. Wunsch also has made many contributions to geoscientific research and publications. 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 providing information to the public. He has given scores of professional presentations, lectures, and news interviews.

 

In addition to the Campell Medal, Dr. Wunsch has received other honors for his extraordinary contributions. He was State Geologist when New Hampshire's famous Old Man of the Mountain collapsed and was designated a lead state official working with news media and the public. Recognizing his service on a task force addressing the loss of the important state symbol, Dr. Wunsch received the AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences in 2014. In addition, the Kentucky Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists honored him with the 1999 Outstanding Kentucky Geologist Award. Dr. Wunsch played a significant role in the establishment of the U.S. National Ground Water Monitoring Network, and for his efforts he has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Henry P. Caulfield, Jr. Medal from the American Water Resources Association for exemplary contributions to national water policy.

 

"I am humbled and honored to receive the medal in honor of Ian Campbell. I have known several recipients of this award, including mentors from earlier in my career, and I am honored to join such an esteemed group of geoscientists," said Dr. Wunsch. "My career has benefited from support and collaboration with many talented scientists and engineers, and I share this recognition with all of them." AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur noted, "David's boundless expertise and passion for the geoscience enterprise have benefited the field and the public for decades."

 

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. Dr. Wunsch is being recognized at the Geological Society of America's Award Ceremony in Anaheim, California, on September 22, 2024.

 

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.

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Contact:

Geoff Camphire, Communications