David Vinson

Funded graduate student research opportunity  – Subsurface/Energy Geochemistry

I examine the processes that control element occurrence in natural and human-modified waters, with applications to energy resources, water quality, and groundwater sustainability. Environments of interest range from urban streams to deep saline groundwater. As tools, I use natural elements and isotope fingerprints to trace water-rock interaction, biogeochemical processing, mixing, and movement. These tools are combined with physical hydrologic data and in some cases microbiology to address a range of interdisciplinary problems. At UNC Charlotte, I teach courses in earth science, hydrology, hydrogeology, and geochemistry.

   Google Scholar profile

Education

• Ph.D (2011) Duke University – Earth & Ocean Sciences
• M.S. (2002) University of New Mexico – Earth & Planetary Sciences
• B.S. (2000) University of Alabama – Geology / American Studies

Research & Teaching Interests

• Groundwater-surface water interactions
• Water-rock interaction in aquifers
• Environmental & energy geochemistry

Current Research Directions & Opportunities

Release of naturally-occurring chromium into groundwater of the Charlotte Terrane

Recovery of macroinvertebrates and groundwater from whole watershed restoration, Reedy Creek Restoration Study (collaboration with Sandra Clinton)

Catawba Basin Upland Watershed Observatory: A partnership for long-term water research and education (collaboration with Martha Cary Eppes)

Concurrent utilization of methane precursors